My husband and I are having a Vow renewal in 2 weeks. About 60 people in attendance. Our Rabbi just called and said he cannot officiate, nor any other clergy that evening. It's an important day in the Jewish faith. We are going through with this, but do you have any suggestions. We will have a DJ. We wrote our own vows, which of course, we will read. We are using a special Kiddush cup, which is symbolic to us. What else can we do. We have 2 children, ages 14 and 7. We thought of a relative officiating somehow or something. Please help......
TWQadmin
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Aug 2, 2005, 7:45 PM
Post #2 of 4
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Re: [Jodi] Vow Renewal: Our clergy had to cancel, what now?
[In reply to]
Hi Jodi:
A vow renewal ceremony does not need to be officiated by a member of the clergy so asking a friend would be an acceptable choice.
Vow Renewal Etiquette Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Jodi
Aug 2, 2005, 8:02 PM
Post #3 of 4
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Re: [TWQadmin] Vow Renewal: Our clergy had to cancel, what now?
[In reply to]
Thank you, those sites helped somewhat, but it was going to be one way, and now we need to re-think the whole ceremony.
RevSusanna
Interfaith Wedding Minister
Aug 2, 2005, 8:15 PM
Post #4 of 4
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Re: [Jodi] Vow Renewal: Our clergy had to cancel, what now?
[In reply to]
As vow renewals are not legal events, many couples actually choose to renew their vows with a dear friend presiding over the service. You may want to do some research and guide him as to the words and rituals you prefer.
The four most important elements of a Jewish marriage ceremony are: The Chuppah, The Blessing Over The wine, The Seven Blessings and The Breaking of the Glass.
Are you having a chuppah? There is a lovely poem by Marge Piercy about the chuppah which can be read by your 14 year old. Both children can walk ahead of you as your bridal party and then stand by your sides under the chuppah if you wish. Each child can hand your officiant one of the rings when that time comes. (Your officiant should also describe the poetic meaning of the rings.) When it comes time to drink the wine, after you have both partaken from the cup representing the blessing of life, you can then each in turn give the cup to your children to drink. How traditional or non-traditional do you want to go? For example: You can recite the traditonal seven blessings, use a more modern spiritual version, or write your own blessings. Some couples have had six family members or friends stand up and recite the first six blessings with the last blessing over the wine done in Hebrew by your officiant. If you write your own blessings, you can include one that give thanks to the Divine for the gift of your children. There are also many lovely words, different versions, for the breaking of the glass.
In my opinion, writing your own vows, that moment when you look deep into each other's eyes, will be the most memorable of all. And of course, there is this sacred blessing:
May God bless you and keep you.
May God's countenance shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
May God's presence be with you and grant you peace.
(Of this I have no doubt.)
Shalom!
Susanna
P.S. All the words needed for you ceremony are in my book under Judaism, Universal Passages for Any Wedding and Honoring and Including Family Members.
Vow Renewal: Our clergy had to cancel, what now?
