Nice to Meet You!

Shalom! For over 20 years I've provided joy and holiness to wedding couples and their guests. My friendly, professional demeanor, ability to listen and respond to specific needs, and outstanding vocal talent are some of the reasons why couples choose to hire me. Please give me a call at 310-895-6718 to learn about how I will help you fulfill your vision for the most special day of your lives.

Why a Cantor

From the opening song of welcome to the final offering of blessing, my singing adds a dimension of warmth, connection, and inspiration that can not be felt through words alone. 

I'm also an excellent guitarist with a large repertoire of songs in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish.  With enough lead time I can prepare your favorite song, as well. Please contact me if you would like me to send you a sample of my singing voice and style.

In case you didn't know, invested cantors are legally authorized to officiate at religious and civic wedding ceremonies.

Leading Up to the Cermony

After you've chosen to work with me, we will meet, ideally, three times. 

At our first meeting you will share the story of your love: How did you find each other? What is it that attracted the two of you to one another?  I will learn about your families, friends, communities, work, other interests and religious commitments. And I will learn about your vision for the ceremony of your dreams. 

Our second meeting focuses on the details of the ceremony itself. We review the basic structure of a Jewish ceremony, further explore your vision, and work together to construct a format that satisfies your needs and desires. If it is an interfaith wedding, we will fashion a plan that celebrates you or your partner's religious faith and/or family-specific traditions in a meaningful and sensitive way. 

When possible, our final meeting takes place at the wedding site itself and will most likely coincide with your rehearsal. We will review the details of the ceremony, of course, and I will support you in relaxing. 

Throughout the process, we communicate by phone or e-mail to review details and for you to express any concerns. My pleasure!

Interfaith Weddings

As someone who at one time felt ambivalent about  officiating at interfaith weddings I now feel blessed when called upon to do so.  

Whether the non-Jewish partner is devoted to a different religious path or not, what matters most to me is how open and respectful you are of one another. Have you fully considered how you will proceed as a couple and a family of mixed religions? To what extend is their family supportive?

My main "job" is to express the beauty and sanctity of a Jewish wedding. At the same time, your future lives together is important to me and I may request that you make commitments to live a Jewish life. There are so many ways to express those commitments (reading books, participating in social justice, joining a Jewish community, raising children who are knowledgeable and connected to their Jewish roots, etc) and we will explore this as part of our work.
 

My Commitment as Your Officiant

My commitment as your officiant is to create a space of warmth, sanctity, beauty, and joy for you and their guests. As I get to know you I will get a clear sense of what will touch and inspire you most during the ceremony. My intention is that the total experience of our work together deepens your connection to one another, inspires you to honor the commitments you make with one another, and brings you joy!