Archive for May 2018
Bar and Bat Mitzvah 101: History, Ceremony & Contemporary Issues
This informative article provides an overview of the Jewish rite of passage for 12- and 13-year-olds, including the origins of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and how ceremonies, rituals and celebrations have developed over time. This resource
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide
This 7 page long guide from Aish.com outlines everything you need to know about the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony. Rabbi Shraga Simmons introduces the rituals of the synagogue ceremony and reception, provides meaningful gift ideas, and
What to Expect at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah
This short animated video provides guests with some basic information about what to expect at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and how to navigate this traditional Jewish coming of age ceremony. It answers technical questions, such
Ketubah Texts from Across the Jewish Spectrum
This 22 page long PDF document includes a variety of different Ketubah (marriage contract) texts in Hebrew and English from across the Jewish ideological spectrum, including the traditional Aramaic Ketubah, two Conservative, three
If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: A Carlebach Chuppah Song
This audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing his original melody for “If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem,” a Hebrew song often sung under the chuppah prior to the breaking of the glass, reminding us of the destruction
If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: A Chuppah Song
This emotive video features Elior Itzkovitz Cohen singing “If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem,” a Hebrew song often sung under the chuppah prior to the breaking of the glass, reminding us of the destruction of the Temple in
Yaakov Shwekey: Tefilat Kallah – The Bride’s Prayer (English + Hebrew)
With onscreen Hebrew, English and transliterated lyrics, this video by the well-known Jewish musical entertainer, Yaakov Shwekey, presents an emotive rendition of an excerpt of the Bride’s Prayer, traditionally recited by the bride following
Seven Circles: A Wedding Poem Inspired by Kabbalah
This poem is based on the Jewish wedding custom wherein the bride circles the groom seven times underneath the Chuppah. Written from the perspective of the bride, the poem provides a blessing or intention
Thoughtful Interpretations of the Sheva Brachot (7 Blessings)
This post, which provides thoughtful interpretations of each of the Seven Blessings recited under the Chuppah during the wedding ceremony, shows one person’s understanding of how to make these traditional blessings relevant and applicable
Choosing a Wedding Date: Auspicious & Forbidden Dates in the Hebrew Calendar
This article from Chabad.org presents a list of all of the dates in the Hebrew calendar that are considered auspicious, not recommended, or forbidden for a Jewish wedding, according to Orthodox tradition. With an explanation for