Interfaith Couples
Judaism can be a generous and welcoming host to widely diverse cultures and spiritual styles. Within a wedding informed by Jewish spirituality, you will find room for your own spiritual approaches and personalities, your roots as individuals and your dreams as a couple. You will find ways to share what you have in common and to celebrate the ways your union contains differences.
Rabbi Brian Field will help you create a ceremony that incorporates your Jewish connections alongside the connections and practices you bring from outside of Jewish culture.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do we start the process?
If you have already chosen a date for your wedding, contact Rabbi Field at rabbibrian@judaismyourway.org or 303-320-6185 to see if he is available.
Next, arrange a complimentary meeting to see if working with him is a good fit.
What if we live out of town?
Though it is optimal to meet in person, much of the work can be done by phone, and some follow- up work between meetings can also be done via e-mail.
What is the fee?
Rabbi Field will be happy to discuss the fee with you during the initial meeting. The fee is all inclusive and covers the following services:
- as many meetings - in person and/or over the phone - as you need,
- developing and creating your personalized ceremony,
- counseling or consulting that may be helpful between meetings
- officiating at the wedding,
- if applicable, Rabbi Field's local travel.
How many meetings will we need?
To develop a ceremony that meets your needs, Rabbi Field gets to know you as individuals and as a couple, learns about your backgrounds, helps you plan your wedding ceremony and addresses any issues concerning your marriage beyond your wedding day. Usually three or four meetings of one to one-and-a-half hours each is sufficient but he will meet with you as often as is necessary and helpful to you.
Does JYW have any requirements about the religion of our home?
When couples are given good information, resources and support, they are in the best position to make intelligent choices for the future of their family.
Does Rabbi Field co-officiate with clergy from other religions?
Rabbi Field has developed alternatives to co-officiating which have met the needs of many interfaith couples. Rabbi Field will be happy to discuss these alternatives in more detail during the first meeting.
Many rabbis will not officiate at intermarriages. Why is Rabbi Brian willing to do so?
More than merely willing, Rabbi Field is pleased to work with a couple on whatever level they are connected to Judaism. At Judaism Your Way we believe that by providing interfaith couples with an opportunity to Jewishly celebrate their marriage covenant, it is more likely that they will view Judaism as available and welcoming to them.
Rabbi Field works with the couple as a counselor and teacher, gently helping them to address the specific issues they may face as an interfaith couple. With Rabbi FieldŐs encouragement and direction, a couple gets to engage directly with Jewish tradition to co-create their ceremony. As a result, most couples with whom we work experience Judaism as being of them, reflecting and responding to who they are and wish to become.
In our experience many guests depart the ceremony with more awareness and excitement about Judaism and Jewish life. Non-Jews have an experience of a Judaism that is accessible and inclusive. Jews see our rituals enthusiastically embraced and lovingly supported by non-Jews. People experience Judaism as a generous host and a ground for Jews and non-Jews to connect as well as a beautiful way for a couple to celebrate their covenant with each other.
For more information Contact Us.
