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This is a full Jewish ceremony rich in the traditional spirituality of a Jewish marriage ceremony combined with consistent romantic language. The Benedictions or other spiritual language is in strict accordance with the guildelines of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. However, the wording of the ceremony does not imply officiation by a Rabbi or Jewish officiant. This ceremony should not be used to replace officiation by a Rabbi. It is an emergency fill-in ceremony or when a Rabbi is impossible to obtain due to date and time.

There are subtle language choice changes allowing attendance by non-Jewish guests without hypocrisy. The ceremony uncompromisingly declares the Bride and Groom ascribe to the faith of Israel and that the ceremony is fully in reverence to the Jewish faith. However, it does not declare all attending are of the Jewish faith to allow comfortable attendance and participation by all.

The language also is altered without change to spiritual substance to allow it to be more understandable to younger guests - such as lessening usage of "eth" endings to words. Also added are popular rituals found in most weddings such as the giving away of the bride, presenting the bride and groom as "Mr." and "Mrs". and other popular marriage ceremony rites not contradictory to a formal and otherwise traditional Jewish marriage ceremony. Further down this page you can find the 'breaking of the bottle".

In a traditional Jewish ceremony, the bride stands on the groom's right side and rings are worn on the right hand. This ceremony is provided courtesy of Rev. Mickey Dingott.

Opening

We are gathered here today to celebrate on of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to cherish the words which shall unite Groom and Bride in marriage.

Who is it that brings this woman forward to this man? ("Her mother and I", "I do", "Her father". or "I do on behalf of the family".)

Groom and Bride, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to us by our family and friends -- we learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of the greatest challenges of life; and it is the shared goal of a married life.

But we also must remember that it is not mankind which created love, but God who created love. Blessed art thou, O Lord God, creator of all things.

Marriage Vows

Do you Groom, take Bride to be your wife? ("I do"). Do you promise to love, cherish and protect her, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek with her a life hallowed by the faith of Israel? ("I do")

Do you Bride, take Groom to be your husband? ("I do"). Do you promise to love, cherish and protect him, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek with him a life hallowed by the faith of Israel? ("I do")

The Benediction

May the bride and groom now recieve the benediction:

Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Creator of Man.

Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Who hast fashioned us in Thine own image and who established marriage for the fullfillment and perpetuation of life in accordance with Thy holy purpose. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Creator of man.

Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Who art the source of all gladness and joy. Through Thy grace we attain affection, companionship, love and peace. Grant that the love which unites this man and woman my grow in abiding happiness. May their family be ennobled through their devotion to the faith of Israel. May there be peace in their home, quietness and confidence in their hearts. May they be sustained by Thy comforting presence in the midst of our people and Thy promise of salvation of all mankind.

Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Who dost unite this man and this woman in the holy joy of martrimony. Amen.

Wine Ritual

As you have shared the wine from this cup, so may you, under God's guidance, draw contentment, comfort and strength from the cup of life. May you find life's joys heightened, its bitterness sweetened, and all things hallowed by true companionship and love.

Exchange of rings

Groom, as you place this ring upon the finger of Bride, speak to her these vows:
With this ring be thou consecrated unto me as my wife according to the law of God and the faith of Israel.

Bride, as you place this ring upon the finger of Groom, speak to him these vows:
With this ring be thou consecrated unto me as my husband according to the law of God and the faith of Israel.

Charge to the Couple

Groom and Bride, as the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together -- as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other.

Alternate Charge to the Couple

If a mixed marriage using acceptable components from multiple ceremonies, this may be an appropriate charge to stress that strength of faith of both, not surrender of faith by both, is where true oneness and respect is found.

Just as two threads woven in opposite directions will form a most beautiful tapestry, so too can your two lives merged together make a beautiful marriage. To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both pledge today to share together.

"Blessed out Thou O Lord God, who sanctifiest Thy people Israel by the covenant of marriage.

Pronouncement

In the presence of this company as witness, you have spoken the words and preformed the rites which unite your loves. I therefore declare Groom and Bride married not in accordances with the laws of the State of Ohio, but also married publicly and before this company according to the rich traditions of the Jewish faith.

Special Request for Bless

"Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

O God, supremely blessed, supreme in might and glory, guide and bless this bridegroom and bride.

Unto thee, O God and Father, we lift our souls in praise.

All of creation declares Thy glory; through man, fashioned in Thine image, Thou hast revealed Thy majesty. Within the heart of all people, Thou hast implanted the enobling influences of love and devotion. Thou Who art the Source of life and of joy, bless this marriage and covenant which Groom and Bride have sealed in Thy name.

Be with them in this sacred hour, in all things of their marriage, and in all the days to come. Amen"

Silent Prayer

I ask you and all your dear ones to bow your heads in reverence. Silently pray that God will bless the home of Groom and Bride and that they each, and together, may achieve their highest hopes.

(After short pause)

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance unto to you, and give you peace. Amen.

Breaking of the Bottle

The bottle is usually a light bulb wrapped in a white towel. The best man will place the bottle before the groom. However, it is not broken at this point. Instead, the officiant continues to declare the bride and groom to be "husband and wife". With "congratulations, you may kiss your bride!" the groom then smashes the bottle with his foot and kisses the bride. Applauding is appropriate in most ceremonies with the breaking of the bottle.

The breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony serves to remind of two very important aspects of a marriage.

The bride and groom and everyone, should consider these marriage vows as an irrevocable act -- just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable.

But the breaking of the glass also is a warning of the frailty of a marriage. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo -- just as it would be so difficult to undo the breaking of this glass.

Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the bride and groom should strive to show each other the love and respect befitting their spouse and love of their life."

Congratulations, you may kiss your bride!

Presentation

It is my privilege to be the first to present Mr. and Mrs. _________________