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Rabbi Patrick Beaulier

Richmond Jewish & Interfaith Weddings

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Jewish Wedding Ceremony Elements

Never been to a Jewish wedding? Here’s what you might see…

  1. The Rabbi
    Rabbi Patrick Beaulier is the officiant of the ceremony. Rabbis are Jewish religious leaders, similar to pastors or imams.
  2. Yarmulkes/Kippot
    These are religious head coverings said during prayer. Anyone is welcome to wear one.
  3. The Ketubah
    Before the big day, or even before the main ceremony, the couple will sign the Ketubah, a marriage contract that turns their vows into a beautiful piece of art.
  4. The Chuppah
    They’ll get married under the Chuppah, a canopy that represents the home they’re building together. It’s open on all sides, symbolizing that their home will always be open to friends and family.
  5. Hakafot (Circling)
    To kick things off, the couple will circle each other three times. This symbolizes building their new home together and represents the virtues of righteousness, justice, and loving kindness.
  6. Kiddushin (Wine)
    They’ll each drink from two cups of wine: one for the marriage proposal and the other for the nuptials. By shaking both cups, they show their commitment to share both the joys and the challenges of life.
  7. Ring Exchange and Vows
    Tradition calls for simple wedding bands. The couple will place rings on each other’s ring fingers as a sign of their love and commitment. The couple will say vows that Rabbi Patrick recites to them.
  8. Sheva Brachot
    The Seven Blessings will be recited next, placing the couple in a broader social and sacred context. After the blessings, they’ll share a second cup of wine. Sheva Brachot sometimes includes family and friends. Other times, it’s just the couple and the rabbi
  9. Tallit and Breaking of the Glass
    The ceremony wraps up (literally!) with the couple wrapping one another in a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit) and breaking a glass under their feet. This serves as a reminder that life includes both happy and sad moments. When they break the glass, be sure to shout “Mazel Tov!” to wish them congratulations and good luck.

Other Elements You Might See:

  • Bedeken
    This is the veiling ceremony where the groom veils the bride, symbolizing modesty and the groom’s commitment to clothe and protect his wife.
  • Yichud
    After the ceremony, the couple spends a few private moments together in a secluded room, signifying their new status as a married couple.
  • Hora Dance
    At the reception, you might see the couple being lifted in chairs while everyone dances in a circle. It’s a fun and lively tradition!

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As Seen on The Knot

TOP FOUR QUESTIONS

Do you officiate weddings?
Yes! I am a wedding rabbi/wedding officiant in Richmond, Powhatan, Petersburg, Danville, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, Chesterfield, Norfolk, DC, Silver Spring, Charlotte, Crozet, Atlanta — you name it! If available, I will officiate a wedding anywhere, anytime, no questions asked.

What kinds of weddings will you officiate?
I will officiate Jewish weddings, non-denominational weddings and non-religious weddings throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia and Washington, DC.

Will you officiate LGBTQ weddings?
Yes- it would be an honor to help. If you’re searching for LGBT wedding officiants or allies, I’m yours!

CONTACT

email. rabbi@rabbipatrick.com
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