Jewish Interfaith Wedding Network

Wedding Nouveau Magazine: Free Spring Summer 2012 Issue

2012-04-10T10:36:00.006-07:00

Hot Wedding Trends for Intercultural Weddings

Check out this fabulous online and print on demand magazine for Intercultural weddings. This magazine is the only magazine totally focused on interfaith and intercultural wedding planning. Beautiful pictures, great articles. Signup today for you April 16th issue.

10 Tips for Planning your Jewish Interfaith Wedding

2012-04-04T23:22:00.004-07:00

10 tips to planning your Jewish Interfaith wedding.

When bringing two individuals from two different backgrounds together to create a shared wedding ceremony, it does take a little more time to plan. Many coupes leave this task toward the end of the planning but we have found that the sooner you start to plan your ceremony, much of the stress and tension goes away almost immediately. Working with a ceremony coach can save time, reduce stress and help you create a deeply meaningful rite of passage. Yehudit Steinberg, wedding consultant and ceremony designer produced this slideshow. Enjoy!

My Jewish fiance has agreed to a Catholic Church wedding.

2011-11-08T10:15:00.000-08:00

"Will he have to become Catholic?”

No. The Catholic Church recognizes the natural right of adult persons to validly enter marriage. This recognition is not limited to Catholics or even to Christians.

The marriage of a Catholic to a person who is not baptized is known as a “disparity of cult,” a severe-sounding phrase with the good intention of reminding us that strongly held religious differences need to be discussed and given sufficient attention prior to marriage. These marriages require dispensation from the bishop. The ceremony can be short and can even serve as a vehicle for increased Jewish-Catholic understanding. An invitation could be offered for a Jewish family member to proclaim the first reading since it traditionally comes from the Hebrew scriptures. A rabbi can offer a blessing.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that religious differences don’t constitute “an insurmountable obstacle for marriage” if the engaged parties are respectful and open about the gifts and differences they have received from their respective religious communities. Essentially, the church challenges both partners to be conscious of their religious commitments and to express them to one another with integrity. The Catholic party is challenged to do all that is possible to baptize and raise children as Catholics.

Read full article on US Catholic website

Ceremony Design

2011-11-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Studying Jewish rituals has led to an understanding of how tradition is passed from generation to generation. The ability to shift and change from one time period to the next is a key element in establishing cultural and religious longevity. This ability to reconstruct tradition anew with each generation has led the Jewish tribe to be one of the oldest living traditions on the planet today. There is much wisdom to be learned in the study of ancient rituals. The challenge becomes how do you reconstruct an ancient ritual and bring a fresh new approach. What do you change and what do you leave as it was? What is the criteria do we use when reconstructing ritual?

Is Chelsea Clinton having a Jewish Interfaith Wedding?

2010-03-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Genevieve de Manio

Is Chelsea Clinton having a Jewish Interfaith Wedding

According to news source USA Today and ECanada, Chelsea Clinton, daughter of President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton will not be having a traditional Christian wedding but are planning a Jewish wedding since her future husband, Marc Mexvinsky is Jewish. However, the Clinton's are not revealing their plans, as of yet?

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-03-04-chelsea-clinton-jewish_N.htm?csp=hf&POE=click-refer

California Marriage License: Confidential or Public?

2009-11-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

What is the difference between a Public and a Confidential marriage license?
Public: The ceremony may take place anywhere in the State of California, at least one witness must be present at the ceremony, and the marriage record is made available to the public. Click here for more details about Public Marriage.

Confidential: Parties to the marriage must be living together, ceremony must take place in the County where the marriage license was issued, no witnesses are required, and the marriage record is only available to the named parties on the document. Click here for more details about Confidential Marriage.

Catholic Priests and Outdoor Weddings

2009-11-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

Recently a bride asked the question: Can we have a priest perform our outdoor wedding ceremony?

It is possible to have a Catholic Priest perform your outdoor wedding. We plan these all the time. We're planning a co-officiating ceremony day after Thanksgiving with a Roman Catholic Priest and a Rabbi on the patio of Kohl Mansion in Silicon Valley CA.

* Some of our couples choose a non-Roman Catholic priest. They are very flexible with the content of your ceremony and you can personalize the ceremony to fit your style. There is usually no requirement to meet for couple's counseling.

* For those couples that want to have a Roman Catholic Priest to perform their outdoor ceremony, it is a little more difficult to find the priest, but we have done this a number of times in the last few years. Also, there is paperwork involved that takes a couple months to process and you must meet with the priest several times prior to your ceremony.

We're based in the San Francisco Bay Area or Sonoma Napa Wine Country and have a number of Catholic Priests on our referral list.

For more information on finding a Catholic priest to perform your outdoor ceremony contact Yehudit@asacredevent.com

Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony

2009-08-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

This video of a traditional Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony shows in detail

the serving of tea from the couple to their respective elders.

Chinese Wedding Blessing

2009-08-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

Jewish Wedding Ceremony Playlist on Itunes

2009-08-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

Many of our couples ask us about the music for their ceremonies. Yehudit has selected a variety of different instrumental pieces that would work nicely in the prelude [prior to the ceremony while guests are being seated], processional [walk down the aisle, and recessional [leaving the ceremony]. The most popular songs during the wedding have a couple instrument versions harp, piano, flute, guitar and strings. All of these songs can be worked in with other Classical pieces which is ideal for an interfaith ceremony.

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=328063663&s=143441

Elopement and Intimate Wedding Packages in San Francisco and Napa Sonoma Wine Country

2009-07-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Jewish Interfaith Wedding Network in partnership with Sacred Events announces their new service providing customized elopement and intimate wedding packages. They specialize in working with Jewish, Interfaith and intercultural couples

Intimate weddings and elopements focus on the basics of getting married, your love and commitment to each other. Northern California offers a wide variety of wedding locations to hold your private ceremony and at Sacred Events, we specialize in finding just the right custom package for you and your partner.

Enjoy your wedding in a private intimate setting surrounded by your closest friends and family. Customizable options available to create a wedding that speaks to your personal taste and style. Your event is expertly planned by Sacred Events' professional ritual designer and wedding consultant, Yehudit Steinberg and attended to by a team of highly-qualified event professionals.

Basic Elopement packages include:

- Picturesque ceremony location

- Services of a personal wedding coordinator

- Interfaith minister or Rabbi

- Personalized Wedding Ceremony designed to your specifications

- Flowers: Bridal bouquet, Boutonniere

- Basic Ceremony set up

- Photographer

- Photos posted online

- 2 to 10 guests

To begin planning your elopement or intimate wedding, please contact us to discuss how we can be of service to you.

Destination Weddings_Interfaith Outdoor Ceremonies

2009-07-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Recently we've been asked if we perform elopements and intimate weddings for Jewish and Interfaith couples. Here is a compilation of some of our favorite outdoor ceremonies we've worked on around the San Francisco Bay, Carmel and Napa Sonoma Wine Country. Stay tuned for the launch of our Elopement and Intimate Wedding Packages on August 1st.

Name Change in California just got easier!

2009-06-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

When you get married in California now, you can elect to change
your middle or last names to what you want to be known as
after your legal wedding ceremony. The Name Equality Act
went into effect on 01/01/2009.

What does the new law mean?
The Name Equality Act allows one party or both parties to a marriage,
through the marriage license process, to elect to change the middle or
last names by which that party wishes to be known after solemnization
of the marriage. A certified copy of a marriage certificate containing the
new name, or retaining the former name, shall constitute proof that the
use of the new name or retention of the former name is lawful. The new
law also specifies that a certified copy of the marriage certificate shall be
accepted as identification establishing a true, full name for purposes of
obtaining a California driver’s license.

White House Seder hosted by Pres. Obama

2009-04-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Washington - President Obama hosts a traditional Seder dinner in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House on Thursday night, April 9, 2009. Some friends and White House employees and their families joined the Obama family. White House aides said they believe it was the first president-hosted Seder at the White House. read more on Huffington Post
Official White House photo by Pete Souza.

Hindu- Jewish Wedding

2009-04-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Wedding customs in India date back thousands of years to the writings of the Vedas, Hindu sacred texts. The rituals in Indian family weddings are complex and elaborate. Although there is evidence of some changes occurring in modern times, many of the old customs still prevail today.

The Indian wedding as it has evolved to this day is a marriage between two families rather than of two individuals. This is a major difference between Western Christian traditions, which emphasize the cohabitation of two individual joining together as a new separate family unit.

Chuppah Wedding Canopy Rentals in SF Bay Area

2009-03-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

A natural look for both traditional and non-traditional weddings.

A traditional Jewish marriage takes place 'under the chuppah', a wedding canopy. It represents the first home that the newly married couple is creating. It is open on all sides to recall the tent of the biblical Abraham, a symbol of hospitality. Abraham and Sarah had doors on all four sides of their dwelling so that visitors would all know that they were welcome. Read our previous blog post on the details of our chuppah collection.

Chuppah Rental Description:

Sacred Events now offers chuppah rentals only to Sacred Events and Jewish Interfaith Wedding Network clients with whom we are planning or officiating their wedding.

Several styles to choose from Traditional to Contemporary. All natural bamboo and birch poles. Guaranteed to withstand wind gusts. Personal customer service, attention to details. We can work with your florist.

Rental Procedures

Handheld Rental: $150.
Freestanding Rental: $350.

CONTACT:

Email info@asacredevent.com for further information.

Sacred Events Launches New Site

2009-03-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

Sacred Events launches it full service wedding, special occasion planning and design website. We are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving Jewish, interfaith, GLBT and multi-cultural communities. We use our ritual design principles to craft a memorable and customized event. We our mindful of the impact that your event has on the community and the environment. We advise you on traditional ritual practices with a contemporary flair.

Ceremony Design

2008-07-09T13:17:00.001-07:00

Ask An Interfaith Rabbi: Wedding Challah for the Ceremony?

2008-06-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

Do we need to have a challah at our ceremony?

Wedding Challah [a large braided loaf of egg-rich bread] is a tradition at the reception of Jewish Weddings. Prior to the meal being served, there is a wine and challah blessing. It is not a requirement, but if you have practicing Jews at the reception, they might miss it.

It is customary to ask your rabbi to lead the brachot [prayers] for this. If you are fortunate enough to have grandparents at your wedding, asking them to lead the blessings [provided they are familiar with the ritual], it is a great way to involve them in your wedding. We have found that many of the grandparents asked take great joy and honor to be included in this way. If you do not have any grandparents to ask, ask your parents.

Wedding challah is a large bread that can feed everyone. Some couples choose small one that is eaten by the head table. In Oakland area, Grand Bakery [3264 Grand Ave Oakland , CA 94610 510-465-1110 ] makes kosher challah. If your event is not kosher, Russian bakeries make good challah, not necessarily kosher.

You can place the wine, kiddush cup, challah and knife on a moving cart to be wheeled out to dining area. After the prayer, wheeled back off to the side.

Want to try your hand at baking one of these braided goodies? The Budding Baker has posted her favorite challah recipe and it just happens to be a family tradition.

Sacred Events launches Gay Jewish Weddings

2008-06-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Jewish Interfaith Ketubah: Modern Fine Art Gallery

2008-06-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Homage to Klimt: the Kiss
19"x21"
giclee print on archival paper

In tribute to Gustav Klimt's great work of the Art Nouveau Period. A moment in time captures the lovers' embrace. Their images evoke emotions during the proposal and declaration of love. The Hebrew words from the Song of Songs are inscribed in gold. This design is hand- touched with gold leafing.

Beech Trees
20"x22"
Giclee print on archival paper

This ketubah is a collage, based on the 1902 painting "Beech Forest" by Gustav Klimt. The autumn landscape is a tapestry of the cycle of life.

Modern Ketubah Online Gallery
Our 2011 Ketubah Collection can now be viewed on our facebook fan page. We have both traditional and modern designs for you to choose from with a wide range of Traditional Jewish and Interfaith texts choices available with Hebrew and English. All texts are approved by rabbis. Some designs have text available in Hebrew and Spanish.

Our artists' text are all hand - calligraphed without the use of type fonts. This gives an organic and custom feel to their work.

Prints
Your ketubah will be a hand-crafted fine art print, made with archival pigment inks on fine art paper (often referred to as a giclée). They can be printed on a variety of mediums, such as canvas and archival, acid-free watercolor paper. Inks used for these prints are archival, color and fade resistant.

Pricing starts at $300.
Personalization $70.00/Rush $80.00
Custom text $300.00
Shipping $15.00/ Rush $30.00

Allow at least 3-6 weeks for your order. We recommend couple's order their ketubah 2months prior to the ceremony.

Many of our couples have chosen to design their own ketubah. We offer a 'plain text' ketubah which has the calligraphy work done for you and you decide the border.

Custom Ketubah and Judaica Art
If you should want a totally unique design, our artists can create a
custom Ketubah , meaning they are actually painted and designed for you.

Please let us know if you are interested in a particular design. The paperwork and text will vary based on the piece that you choose, since they are from different artists.
email Yehudit: info@asacredevent.com

Ask An Interfaith Rabbi - Mazel tov to the GLBT Community

2008-05-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Rabbi, we are an interfaith same-sex couple. Will you marry us?
Absolutely! In fact, anyone that I performed a ceremony prior to the ruling, just needs to call and make an appointment with me and I will sign the legal paperwork.
Where are you located?
We are located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Have chuppah will travel. We can arrange to meet you wherever you decide to hold your ceremony whether it be at City Hall in San Francisco or at a winery in Napa.
Can same-sex couples marry in California?
Yes. On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that barring same-sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional. Beginning as soon as June 17, same-sex couples will be able to
marry in California.
Can the court's decision be appealed?
No. The California Supreme Court has the final say in cases brought under the California Constitution, like this case, and there can be no more appeals.
If we're already in a registered domestic partnership in California, do we have to dissolve our domestic partnership before we can marry?
No. The California domestic partnership statutes permit an individual to be both married and in a registered domestic partnership, so long as it is to the same person. In addition, there may be legal protections that are available through domestic partnership but not through marriage.
For example, some states that will not honor marriages of same-sex couples may honor domestic partnerships.
Do you have to be a California resident to marry in California?
No. There is no residency requirement to marry in California.
See our earlier post on obtaining a marriage license in California for links to County Clerks offices.

There may be a November Ballot initiative to ammend the constitution.
For more information see Equality For All

Chuppah - The Wedding Canopy

2008-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

A natural look for both traditional and non-traditional weddings.

The traditional Jewish marriage canopy is known as 'the Chuppah'. It represents the first home that the newly married couple is creating. It is open on all sides to recall the tent of the biblical Abraham, a symbol of hospitality. Abraham and Sarah had doors on all four sides of their dwelling so that visitors would all know that they were welcome.

HAND HELD CHUPPAH
During the sixteenth century, the hand held chuppah came in fashion, as many wedding ceremonies were held outdoors in the marketplace. It served as a sacred space to perform the ceremony while the community surrounds the chuppah. Under the chuppah stood the bride and groom with the rabbi. Their immediate families stood along side them.

The chuppah should be a temporary, handmade structure. It is a great honor to be asked to be one of the four pole bearers. The honored guests represent the community that is part of the couples support system, as they establish their new home. Many times the chuppah becomes part of the processional, with pole bearers displaying the chuppah as they walk down the aisle.

Our handheld chuppah has bamboo poles were selected by the Rabbi from the garden of his friend who brings the Dalai Llama to San Francisco annually. We view the Dalai Llama as one of the thirty - six righteous leaders upon whom the preservations of the planet depends. Many couples love using these poles that stand for peace and harmony for all people.

Our chuppah coverings are handmade using delicate sari material. Their simple and elegant design are constructed to withstand winds up to 40 mph.
Floral decorations and custom work is available for an extra fee.

STATIONARY CHUPPAH

For those couples who prefer a stationary chuppah, we have designs in both birch or bamboo poles. Securely fashioned to withstand wind. We can work with you to customize your canopy design.

Please contact Yehudit for more info such as pricing and specifications via email- yehuditsc@gmail.com

Happy Passover

2008-04-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Matzo in Short Supply for Bay Area Passover
San Francisco -- The talk at Passover tables this weekend wasn't just about Moses leading Jews out of slavery. Jews also discussed the shortage of matzo.

Around the region, grocery stores reported having completely run out of their supplies of the essential staple for Passover, the weeklong observance that began Saturday evening.
read more:

Passover on YouTube
Who let the Jews Out!

23 Month Old sings The Four Questions

Ever Wonder How Matzo is Made?
A trip through the Aviv matzo factory in Israeli.

What to do with leftover matzo?
If you happen to have any extra matzo this year, here is a 2 minute video short with a couple of funny ideas by Michelle Citrin.

Japanese Matzo Tip

Ask An Interfaith Rabbi

2008-04-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

Are Jewish interfaith marriages traditional?
Jewish interfaith marriages are as traditional as a wedding when both partners are Jewish. There were times in Jewish history, such as the time of the Conquest of Canaan, when inter-tribal, interfaith marriages were not only discouraged but outright prohibited. There were other times, such as during the Patriarchal Period and during the Persian Period, when interfaith marriages were permitted, as with Hagar (an Egyptian), Ruth (a Moabitess), Tamar (a Canaanitess), and in Persia between Esther and King Ahasheverosh.