Jerusalem is the city where Rabbi David Mordecai studied and was ordained. He received his rabbinic ordination at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem in 1997, and studied law and contemporary Judaism at the Hebrew University. Today he marries couples all over Israel, including in Jerusalem and the area, both in the city itself and in the Jerusalem hills.
A full Jewish chuppah, outside the Rabbinate
In Jerusalem couples often ask whether a chuppah outside the Rabbinate is a real Jewish wedding. The rabbi’s ceremony includes everything you know: the betrothal blessing, kiddushin with a ring, a ketubah, the seven blessings and the breaking of the glass. The difference is in the approach: equality between the partners and room for personal vows. He also directed the Israeli rabbinic program at Hebrew Union College, so he knows the tradition in depth. Read about the differences in Reform vs. religious weddings, and about his education on the degrees and ordination page.
When part of the family is religious
In many Jerusalem families, religious and secular relatives sit at the same wedding. You can keep a traditional, familiar structure and add only what matters to you, so that even guests used to an Orthodox chuppah feel at home. And when one of you is religious and the other is not? See a wedding for a religious and secular couple.
Stone, hills and cool evenings
Jerusalem and its surrounding hills sit higher than most of central Israel, so evenings are cool even in summer, and winter is cold and rainy. For an outdoor wedding, in a forest or in a courtyard in one of the hill communities, prepare something for guests against the evening chill. The drive from the center is not long, but at rush hour getting into the city takes longer, so give guests some slack.
Shabbat starts earlier in Jerusalem
By Jerusalem custom, Shabbat candles are lit about forty minutes before sunset, earlier than in most of the country. For a Friday wedding that changes the schedule, so the chuppah is planned to finish in time. The rabbi officiates on Fridays and on Saturday night, not on Shabbat itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about weddings in Jerusalem
Can we have a Reform wedding in Jerusalem?
Yes. A Reform chuppah is a private ceremony and can be held anywhere. It is not recognized by the Rabbinate or the state, so couples who want registration add a civil marriage. The full explanation is in our guide to civil marriage in Israel.
Our family is religious. Will the ceremony suit them?
In most cases, yes. The rabbi keeps the traditional structure with the familiar blessings and adapts any additions to the family.
Does the rabbi come to the Jerusalem hills too?
Yes. He comes to ceremonies throughout Israel, including Jerusalem and the area.
Can we hold a chuppah in Jerusalem on a Friday?
Yes. The rabbi officiates on Fridays and on Saturday nights, but not on Shabbat itself. On a Friday the chuppah is set early enough for the ceremony to end well before Shabbat begins.
Marrying in Jerusalem or the hills? Talk to the rabbi at +972 54 5603603. The intro call carries no obligation. More about the service is on Reform rabbi for weddings, and other regions are on all the regions he covers.
Mazal tov, and may you build a lasting home!