The Creative Jewish Wedding Book : A Hands-On Guide to New & Old Traditions, Ceremonies & Celebrations

Foreword xi Preface xv Acknowledgments xvii Introduction 1(1) Creativity as Jewish Spiritual Expression 2(2) A Word of Warning about the Wedding ``Industry'' 4(1) An Opportunity for Transformation 5(3) The ``Inter-Jewish'' Marriage 8(2) Considerations for Interfaith Couples 10(1) A Special Note for Gay and Lesbian Couples 11(1) Kavannah---Sacred Intention 12(1) How to Use This Book 12(1) Creative Visualization 13(2) Getting Started: Creating the Wedding of Your Dreams 15(24) Jewish Connections---Figuring Them Out 16(2) Listen to Your Heart, Listen to Each Other 18(2) Managing Family Dynamics 20(2) Choosing A Date---Factors to Consider 22(1) Selecting an Officiant 23(4) Setting a Budget 27(3) Style, Approach, and Location 30(2) The Professional Wedding Planner---Yes or No? 32(2) Honorary Roles 34(2) What about the Guest List? 36(3) Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Setting the Stage with Unique Invitations 39(18) English and Hebrew? 41(6) Creative Options for Designing Your Invitation 47(7) Family Dynamics and Your Wedding Invitation 54(3) Let's Make A Deal: Crafting Your Ketubah 57(34) The Complexity of the Ketubah's Legacy 58(2) Types of Text 60(12) Should You Write Your Own Ketubah? 72(1) The Art of the Ketubah 73(6) Creative Options for Making Your Ketubah 79(8) Family Dynamics and Your Ketubah 87(4) Chuppah Hooplah: Creative Possibilities for Your Wedding Canopy 91(18) The Origin and Purpose of a Chuppah 91(4) Creative Options for Chuppah Styles 95(5) Don't Forget the Poles 100(2) Practical Considerations 102(4) Family Dynamics and Your Chuppah 106(3) The Truth about the Aufruf . . . and Other Jewish Pre-Wedding Rituals 109(12) Henna Party 110(1) Immersing in the Mikvah 111(4) Aufruf---The Pre-Wedding Aliyah 115(2) Creating a Wedding Shabbaton 117(1) Separation/Fasting 118(2) Family Dynamics During the Pre-Wedding Stage 120(1) Reckon You'll Bedecken? A Creative Look at the Jewish Wedding Ceremony 121(54) Before the Ceremony 123(4) The Ceremony 127(21) After the Ceremony 148(4) Other Considerations: Integrating Music and Readings 152(5) Wedding Programs 157(3) Special Considerations for Interfaith Couples 160(5) Special Considerations for Gay and Lesbian Couples 165(3) Family Dynamics and Your Wedding Ceremony 168(7) Party On! Thinking Creatively about Jewish Food and Other Reception Choices 175(18) Wedding Delicacies 176(7) Music for Your Wedding Party 183(4) Beyond Music: The Mitzvah of Making Merry 187(4) Family Dynamics and Your Wedding Party 191(2) Something Oldish, Something Newish, Something Borrowed, Something Jewish: More Ritual Objects, Decor, and Clothing Ideas for Your Wedding 193(18) Enhance Your Wedding with Surprising Finds 194(1) Ritual Objects Associated with the Ceremony 195(3) Infusing Other Wedding Items with Jewish Meaning 198(6) The Ritual of Wedding Dress 204(3) Incorporating Tzedakah into Your Wedding 207(4) Have It Your Way: Final Advice for Creating the Wedding You Desire 211(4) Wedding-Planning Goals 211(1) Visualization 212(1) Affirmations 213(1) Final Thoughts 213(2) Appendix I: Books and Online Resources 215(16) Websites 215(12) Books 227(4) Appendix II: Wedding Planning 231(10) Timeline 231(7) Wedding Task Checklist 238(1) Creating a Wedding Website 239(2) Appendix III: Alternative Sheva Brachot 241(4) Index 245