LIFECYCLES | WEDDINGS

Weddings

“The rabbis who codified Jewish law, made it so easy for couples to marry that the minimal requirements for carrying out a kosher Jewish wedding can be summed up in a few words: the bride accepts an object worth more than a dime from the groom, the groom recites a ritual formula of acquisition and consecration, and these two actions must be witnessed. That constitutes a Jewish wedding; the rest of the traditions associated with Jewish weddings – the chupah, the seven wedding blessings, the breaking of a glass, even the presence of a rabbi – are customs. Custom changes over time and differs from one nation to the next. Some Jewish wedding customs have been discarded and forgotten, and some persist with even greater symbolic and emotional power that the religious prescriptions.” —Anita Diamant, The New Jewish Wedding

At Temple Emanu-El we can help make your wedding the once-in-a-lifetime simcha it should be. You can choose to have everything from the rehearsal dinner, to the ceremony, and the reception here at Temple. Or, perhaps you just want to be blessed by a rabbi prior to taking your vows. For more information, contact Shelly LeFevre.

Weddings Q & A
Q: What is the first thing I do to schedule my wedding at Temple Emanu-El?
A: Contact the rabbi of your choice to confirm the date and time of your wedding. Once the rabbi is confirmed, contact Shelly LeFevre to confirm the Sanctuary or Lefkowitz Chapel availability.

Q: Is there a charge to have my wedding here?
A: There is no charge for the worship space for our members or children of our members. Fees apply for any reception space you choose to utilize.

Q: How do I schedule an aufruf or a blessing of the bride and groom?
A: Let your officiating rabbi know you would like to be blessed during one of the Shabbat services preceding your wedding. He or she will schedule it in conjunction with the service officiant. To recognize the blessing it is appropriate to contribute towards the Oneg Shabbat following services.

Q: Where can I get more information about the Jewish wedding ceremony?
A: Anita Diamant’s book, The New Jewish Wedding, is available at Judaic Treasures and the Weisberg Library. The Life Cycles office maintains a source list of vendors with everything from where you can order a Ketubah to who can do your wedding day hair and makeup.


Life Cycles Contact Information

Shelly LeFevre, Life Cycle Coordinator
(P) 214.706.0024 | (E) slefevre@tedallas.org

Temple Emanu-El | 8500 Hillcrest Road | Dallas, TX 75225 | Tel. 214.706.0000 | Fax 214.706.0025 | Map & Directions