Ceremonies

Cathedrals in Time

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (in the prologue of his book The Sabbath) remarks that Judaism has always been more concerned with the sanctification of moments in time than the sanctification of physical space.

The ceremonies of the Jewish Life-Cycle demonstrate Judaism’s commitment to mark significant transitional moments in people’s lives.  But as a Rabbi, it is the work I do together with you in preparation for these moments that ultimately imbues the ceremony with meaning.  The understanding of the specific significance each individual, each couple, each family places on the symbolism of that moment—that allows us to elevate the event from a beautiful show to a sanctification of a precious moment of time. 

Click below for more information on:

Weddings
   Jewish
   Same-Sex
   Interfaith
   Non-Denominational

Conversion to Judaism

Funerals & Memorials

Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah
  Ceremonies
  Tutoring
  Family Exploration
  Basic Judaism

House Blessings

Bris & Baby Namings

Jewish Weddings, Same-Sex Weddings, Interfaith Weddings, Non-Denominational Weddings

One particular joy of being a Rabbi is a Jewish wedding ceremony, helping join two people together in marriage in sacred covenant.  I am known to provide a meaningful and joyous wedding ceremony for the couple.  But more important than that is our preparation together for the marriage—not just the wedding, which defines my work.  By focusing on the marriage itself, the wedding ceremony becomes imbued both with a sense of sanctity and reverence and with a personality that truly reflects you as a couple.

For more information on weddings (including Same-gender ceremonies, Interfaith ceremonies, and Non-denominational Spiritual ceremonies,)
please click here.

Bris and Baby Naming

Another great pleasure of mine is helping a couple welcome their child into the world and into the Jewish covenant at a Bris or Baby Naming ceremony.  The Bris or Baby Naming is the first in the chain of life-cycle ceremonies that defines a child as Jewish.  Whether more “traditional” or more “creative,” I take great pleasure in interweaving Jewish tradition with each family’s needs, hopes and desires.  Whether for a newborn child, a newly-adopted child, or a naming ceremony for a child who has never had one, this ceremony provides a foundation for the child’s Jewish life.  Please note that Moyel services are not provided.

For more information on Bris & Baby Naming ceremonies for children,
please click here.  

Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah

Many families put so much time, energy, and money into a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, but the child often concludes the process feeling that he or she has “done well in a performance” and yet neither finds any depth of meaning or purpose to the process.  Frankly, this saddens me. Counteracting that all-too-common reality is what sets my work with Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah families apart. 

I can and do provide the same basic “tutoring” that can be found at almost any synagogue, and a ceremony that is meaningful, joyful and inclusive.  I also enjoy assisting students and families with basic Judaism training if they have not had the opportunity previously.  But I particularly invite you to also explore the award-winning Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah Exploration program I offer for the student together with his or her parents. 

Universally, those who work with me on this program reflect that this BarMitzvah/Bat Mitzvah Exploration program was the difference between a grandiose ceremony and a life-anchoring experience.

For more information on Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah preparation,
please click here.

House Blessings

The Chuppah at a Jewish wedding symbolizes the creation of a home.  Helping a couple hang their mezuzah on their doorpost is the physical manifestation that transforms a house into a Jewish home.  These House Blessing ceremonies are special as they signify that the couple and family are living their Jewish culture and heritage every day.

For more information on House Blessings,
please click here.

Jewish Funerals, Jewish Memorials, Non-Denominational Memorial Services

An important part of being a Rabbi is being available when it really counts, helping people of Jewish faith and other faiths pay tribute to their loved ones after dying.  I offer my services as a Rabbi for Jewish funerals and memorials, and non-denominational funeral and memorial services.  I can conduct services at graveside and/or within a chapel.  My services include the preparation and delivery of a eulogy and pre- and post-meetings with the families in need of pastoral counseling and guidance during their period of grief.

For more information on End-of-Life services,
please click here.