Marriage

A Jewish Marriage is celebrated with great joy in a Liberal Jewish Community. The Communities are licensed by English law to perform a Civil Marriage between two Jews, as defined by Liberal Judaism. The Religious Marriage Ceremony is almost identical to that of a traditional community and in particular emphasises the triangular nature of a Jewish Marriage, with two human beings at its base, and their Creator at its apex. In a Jewish marriage, the partners complement each other and fulfil themselves, their union blessed and sanctified by God.

The ceremony only differs from tradtion where consistent with the principles of Liberal Judaism, for example, both the Liberal Jewish liturgy and Ketubot (marriage certificates) affirm the equal status of both the bride and groom.The Communities of Liberal Judaism encourage a couple intending marriage to meet with their local Rabbi at an early stage of their preparations so that the religious ceremony becomes both meaningful and central to the couple’s arrangements. The Rabbis of Liberal Judaism delight in getting to know the couple and their family and in that way the marriage ceremony itself is that much more personal and meaningful. In addition to the marriage ceremony itself , Liberal Judaism offers an Aufruf as an opportunity for the Community to publicly recognise, congratulate, and share in the joy of the wedding to come. An Aufruf refers to the ‘calling up’ of both the bride and groom to the Torah on the Shabbat before the wedding.

For further published information, see ‘Where we stand on Jewish Marriage‘ by Rabbi David Goldberg and ‘Guide to Jewish Marriage’ by Rabbi John D. Rayner, both published by Liberal Judaism.Liberal Judaism has specially commissioned a series of Ketubot available for purchase. To book a viewing, please contact Monique Blake at the Montagu Centre on 020 7580 1663.