Weddings
of your dreams. ttlARAp.s.

Garden photo
by Gary R. Miller

date and time for the wedding. Keep
in mind that the formality of the
wedding is determined by time of day.
If you want a black tie affair, pick an
evening hour. Most outdoor
weddings are held during the daytime
— after all, the whole point is to enjoy
the garden scene.
Each congregation has its own rules
regarding weddings. Generally, there
is no problem with rabbis performing
the weddings of members or mem-
bers' children. Each rabbi will make
his own decision regarding the
weddings of non-members, and many
will perform the ceremony for such
couples.
It is not strictly necessary for a rabbi
to officiate at the ceremony. Cantors
commonly officiate at weddings, and
other non-ordained Jewish scholars,
educators and community leaders,
many of whom are state-licensed to
perform Jewish weddings, may do so
also. The civil documents may be
taken care of by a judge or justice of
the peace.
However, since many couples, and
their parents, prefer that a rabbi
perform the ceremony, there are
some options to explore if the family
is not affiliated with a congregation.
The New Jewish Wedding by Anita
Diamant presents these options in
detail. They include contacting local
congregational rabbis as well as, if
you are connected with a university
in any way, Hillel rabbis.
You need to discuss the rabbi's fee
with him. If you are congregation
members, payment may not be
required but a donation to the con-
gregation or the rabbi's discretionary
fund will be appreciated. If you are
not members, the rabbi will probably
charge a fee.

The Jewish News 5