Weddings
“Ani l’dodi v’dodi li”...I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.
These beautiful words from Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) capture the blissful joy of finding one’s beshert or the person that one is drawn to in a uniquely loving relationship unlike any other in life.
Hawai'i, with its outstanding natural beauty and spirit of aloha, is a wonderful place to get married. The information below is meant to answer some of the more frequently asked questions regarding the availability of Temple Emanu-El and its staff for weddings, commitment ceremonies and civil unions in Hawai'i:
Rabbi Cheri Weiss is licensed by the State of Hawaii as a wedding performer.
She is honored to serve as m'sader kiddushin (wedding officiant) at weddings or commitment ceremonies involving members of the congregation or their children, in keeping with both the Jewish tradition and the laws of the State of Hawai'i. No honorarium is required. Members of the congregation wishing to arrange a wedding or commitment ceremony are encouraged to contact Rabbi Cheri as soon as possible to discuss available dates and other details with regards to working with her prior to the ceremony.
Schedule permitting, the Rabbi is also happy to work with couples visiting from the continent or elsewhere. Rabbi Cheri Weiss is open to officiating at wedding ceremonies involving interfaith couples. To request a wedding packet put together by Rabbi Cheri containing additional information and options for your ceremony, including the amount for the honorarium for non member couples, please contact admin@shaloha.com. Please also include the tentative date, time, and location of your ceremony.
Do not separate yourself from the community... (Pirkei Avot 2:5)
A special note for those coming from outside of Hawai'i... As with most shuls, the presence of Temple Emanu-El's clergy and staff is made possible by the ongoing support of its members. If you are about to get married and are not yet a part of a synagogue community, now is the perfect time to find one that is right for you! Many synagogues in fact have dues plans that are especially designed for younger and/or newly-married adults. You can find information about synagogues in your local area by using the following links:
Conservative: http://uscj.org/network/
Orthodox: https://www.ou.org/synagogue-finder/
Reconstructionist: https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/directory/
Same Sex Marriage
The State of Hawai'i recognizes same sex marriage. Couples wishing to have a ceremony in a Jewish setting are encouraged to speak directly with Rabbi Cheri who will be happy to explain his approach to officiating at such ceremonies.
Wed, November 20 2024 19 Cheshvan 5785