Temple Emanuel of Tempe

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You are here: Home / Life Cycle Events / Weddings

Weddings

Grant abundant joy to these loving friends, as You bestowed gladness upon the beings You created in the Garden of Eden of old. Blessed are You, Adonai, who gladdens brides and grooms.

Weddings are joyous celebrations, the merging of two people and beginning of a new phase of life. Each wedding ceremony is unique, an expression of the tastes, energies, and values of the couple getting married. At the same time, each wedding partakes of Jewish culture, calling on the timeless symbols and words that turn two loving individuals into a family.

In preparation for the wedding ceremony, each couple meets with Rabbi Dean several times. Together, they discuss both partners’ vision of the service. He explains all aspects of a Jewish wedding, describing which ritual acts are required by Jewish custom and law, which are optional, and how they may be adapted to reflect the couple. During these sessions, Rabbi Dean’s goal is to craft the wedding ceremony that’s right for each couple, enabling them to transform from two people in love into a family. Through this process, they get to know each other well.

In addition, the three speak together about their expectations for the future. They create a safe environment to discuss the sometimes complex issues of married life.

Rabbi Dean officiates at weddings/commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples.

Rabbi Dean officiates at interfaith weddings, provided the non-Jewish spouse has completed Tempe Emanuel’s Discovering Judaism course, or a similar program. (Ideally the Jewish spouse will take the class, too!) This learning enhances the couple’s understanding of each other’s customs and values. It also allows the non-Jewish spouse to participate fully in his/her own wedding, not as an observer to another person’s tradition, but rather as someone who understands what’s involved and feels at home within the wider Jewish community.

Please contact Rabbi Dean with questions.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who created joy and happiness, groom and bride, gladness, jubilation, cheer and delight, love, friendship, harmony and fellowship. Adonai our God, let there speedily be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of happiness, the sound of a groom and the sound of a bride, the sound of exultation of grooms from under their chupah, and youths from their joyous banquets. Blessed are You, Adonai, who gladdens grooms and brides.

About Temple Emanuel

Temple Emanuel of Tempe is a vibrant Jewish community sustained by life-long relationships, excellent educational opportunities, and spirited fellowship. Since our founding in 1976, Temple Emanuel of Tempe has been a Reform congregation that honors tradition. We are an oasis for all who embrace … more

Upcoming Services

Sat 30

Jack Shapiro Bar Mitzvah (i)

January 30 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Feb 06

Denver Socha Bar Mitzvah (z)

February 6 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am

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  • Celebrate
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  • Learn
    • Yad B’Yad Children’s Center
    • Religious School
    • Adult Education
  • Connect
    • Member Activities
    • Visiting Temple Emanuel Pre-Covid
    • Temple Leadership
    • Blog
    • Contact Us

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(480) 838-1414
5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85283
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