Life Cycle
Searching for some words to mark a special moment in someone's life? Here you will find articles about rituals, new and old, that can help us mark those moments in our lives when we celebrate, grieve, or transition.
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Being A Guest At A Wedding…
Watching another friend enter under the chuppah, I get teary-eyed. I feel as if all of us joined here are entering into a timeless space, a Garden of Eden, a place where magical transition will take place. We, who are guests, need to be there: we are witnesses to love as it transforms into commitment – now, and forever.
Meditation:
We are all made holy by the commitment of any two of us. Each couple helps us to understand that our lives exist in relationship, in sacred bonds that link lovers to families to community and beyond.
Blessing:
Mi baruch al hakol, y’varech et ha-chatan v’et ha-kallah.
Mi baruch al hakol y’varech et ha-k’hillah.
May you who blesses all, bless this bride and this groom.
May you who blesses all, bless all of us who are now present as we witness and pledge to support this sacred commitment.
Baruch eloheinu she-hasimcha bimono.
With the permission of all the distinguished people present, let us bless God who invites us to witness and create this joyous celebration.
Ritual:
Select a present for the couple that represents an enduring spiritual presence, a witness to the commitment of their love.
Teaching:
"It is good manners that everyone who partakes of a wedding feast should give a present to the couple."
(Zohar I:149a)
"Only at simchas!"
(Torat Emeinu)
Baruch atah m’kadesh amo Yisrael al y’dei chuppah v’kiddushin.
Blessed are You, who sanctifies us by the sacred commitment of this marriage.
(CLAL Faculty)
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