The Jewish Wedding
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Reflections and Testimonials
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Jewish marriage can be seen as an integral piece of God’s plan of ongoing creation, which began with the creation of the first human couple, Adam and Eve. Marriage not only provides individual companionship, but it ensures the physical and spiritual survival of humanity by creating communities that reflect divine law.
Once modeled on a property transaction in which the groom paid the bride’s father a bride price, marriage has evolved into a more spiritual commitment. I believe this spiritual commitment, in connection with the legal responsibilities, is one of the most sacred acts a couple can partake in. The ketubah (marriage contract) is the Jewish legal document that connects two individuals together according to Jewish law. The language chosen by the couple for their ketubah often represents the essence of who they are as individuals and as a couple, and what they promise to one another at the beginning of this journey. The marriage ceremony, conducted under a huppah (marriage canopy), has two parts–the betrothal, known as erusin or kiddushin, and the actual marriage, nissuin. The ketubah is generally read between these two parts. The betrothal traditionally includes: 1) two blessings, one over wine and one reserving the couple for each other; 2) the ring ceremony; 3) and the recitation of the formula, “Behold, with this ring you are consecrated to me as my spouse according to the laws of Moses and Israel. The nissuin ceremony involves the recitation of seven blessings, called the sheva berachot (7 wedding blessings) that reflect themes of Jewish marriage sign that as long as it would take to put the pieces together, that is as long as this couple will be together – we pray, forever. (This information is adapted from My Jewish Learning.) Rabbi Bravo enjoys spending many hours working with wedding couples, both in preparation for their wedding ceremony, and in preparation for the marriage. I help guide couples in the logistics and rituals connected to the ceremony; I also spend great time and energy doing pre-marital guidance and helping couples to truly prepare for the marriage. A couple’s wedding ceremony should be personal and geared toward the wants and needs of the couple. I will work to determine what those desires are, and how we can best implement them to create and unique and beautiful ceremony. |
“Rabbi Bravo was kind, compassionate and understanding of our needs. She was always actively involved in the planning of our wedding ceremony. The process reflected our uniqueness while maintaining our Jewish roots.”
- Gail and Harry 
Our experience with Rabbi Bravo was wonderful. She met with us multiple times before the wedding and really made an effort to get to know us
as a couple and as individuals. The Ketubah signing and the ceremony were both tailored to us as a couple and were very personal. We look forward to working with Rabbi Bravo again in the future! - Josh and Lisa 
Rabbi Bravo met with us a number of times to get to know us
as individuals and as a couple. Also, how to become a family with my son. She is a caring person and a supportive rabbi. We have joined Makom NY to be with Rabbi Bravo. We are looking forward to her officiating at our son's Bar Mitzvah in January 2018. - Debra and Jarrett 
Note from the parents of a bride:
A quick note to thank you so much for performing such an amazing wedding ceremony. You are so warm and caring, making everyone feel welcome. Most importantly, you really got to know Alissa and Sam as individuals and as a couple. You made them feel calm as you guided them through. We all know life can be hard sometimes, but you have given them a strong understanding of how to navigate through life and stay focused on what is truly important. We are so blessed. Words cannot even express our joy. - Nancy and Danny |
