Marriage

In the book of Genesis, shortly after the creation of Adam, we read:  “The Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a fitting helper for him.” From this passage we learn that God has created human beings with the innate desire to find a partner with whom we can share our lives.  Moreover, since God personally created Eve so that Adam would have the right partner, we understand that God has an interest in each of us finding our soul-mate.  Indeed, as Rabbi Maurice Lamm once wrote:  “If God created man, woman, and their marriage relationship; and if the creation of man and woman is good and marriage a blessing; then God is a conscious, albeit silent, partner in the marriage.  Thus the ideal Jewish marriage is a triangle composed of two human beings and their Creator….Jewish marriage is naturally sanctified by God.”

The Jewish wedding ceremony itself is structured in a way to show that God is the One who both sanctifies our marriages and acts as a silent partner.  The basic ceremony consists of Kiddushin or betrothal and an exchange of rings, the reading of the ketubah or wedding contract, and Nisuin or the wedding ceremony with the recitation of the Sheva Brachot, the seven blessings recited at all Jewish weddings.  

Marrying your soul-mate is a truly wonderful event in your life!  The clergy and professional staff at Temple Beth Am would love to share this fantastic time in your life with you.  We encourage you to consider getting married right here in our beautiful sanctuary, signifying both your commitment to our tradition and each other.  Our social hall is a perfect venue for your celebration, able to seat over 200 guests. Our kosher kitchens are perfect for your kosher caterer to provide your guests a delicious celebratory meal.  However, whether you decide to hold the ceremony here or at another venue, Rabbi Goldsmith can help make your wedding even more special, combining the basic elements of all Jewish weddings and with the personal touches you want.  

For more information about planning your wedding, please call Rabbi Goldsmith at 954-968-4545 x 118.  In addition, if you would like more detailed information about Jewish weddings we recommend reading The New Jewish Wedding, Revised by Anita Diamont.  You can also find information on Jewish weddings and other life cycles at https://www.exploringjudaism.org/living/lifecycles/.