Jewish Weddings Where You Are Known
Mazel Tov
Getting married is one of the most important decisions and days of your lives. In a world this large, finding your beshert (intended one) is worth celebrating. I will guide you both to your wedding day and for navigating your married lives as your bring your full selves to the other person as you navigate your unique personalities and grow together.
Your Choices
Your wedding ceremony itself features many choices that you will make. What is important is that by the day of your wedding you will both feel like I know you and am able to recognize what is important to you.
Growing Together
Leading up to your wedding with be five online sessions so that you are able to navigate the issues that inevitably come up in all relationships. What is vital is that communication remains open and honest in sustaining you both..
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rabbi Novak officiate at all weddings?
Any wedding where both individuals are Jewish is a wedding where Rabbi Novak will officiate.
Does Rabbi Novak officiate at interfaith ceremonies?
If a person getting married is not Jewish by birth and does not actively practice another faith, is of a lapsed faith tradition, or is of no faith tradition, then Rabbi Novak will perform the ceremony. The word interfaith already puts someone on the “outs”. Rabbi Novak seeks to add to the sanctity of the wedding by focusing the bride and groom (or bride and bride groom and groom) on their time preparing for and being under the chuppah.
If a person getting married is Jewish and the other person is of an active faith tradition, Rabbi Novak will work with you to find you a clergy person who can meet your needs (without judgment).
What does Rabbi Novak do about the “gendered” part of the wedding liturgy?
In a traditional Jewish wedding the groom acquires the bride. In the weddings officiated by Rabbi Novak both individuals are making a covenantal commitment to each other. There is not one person being acquired by another person. Both are entering a relationship with the other person on an equal footing. This is reflected in the liturgy as well.
Does Rabbi Novak officiate at gay/lesbian weddings?
Yes. As above both individuals should be Jewish. If one person is Jewish and the other is of no or lapsed faith tradition then Rabbi Novak will do that wedding.
Where does Rabbi Novak do weddings in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley?
The answer is any number of places. He has performed weddings at:
Palm Springs Art Museum
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
The Ritz-Carleton Rancho Mirage
Indian Wells Resort Hotel
Moorten Botanical Garden
The Avalon Hotel, Palm Springs
Because of the number and variety of weddings Rabbi Novak is familiar with many of the people in the area who will help make your wedding