Composition and audio © Alexander Massey 9 Dec 2015 BUY the sheet music (voice, guitar chords, optional flute part) – $4.50 (2 copies @ $2.25) BUY the sheet music (lead sheet) – $3.95 This recording and a version of this article were published on Ritual Well (USA) as ‘You have ravished my heart, my sister‘. […]
Libavtini achoti chalah – ‘You have ravished my heart, my sister’ Read More »
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Protected: Facing the Future (Ruach Chavurah) Read More »
Download ‘Facing the Future Checklist’ Introduction It’s never ‘too soon’ to put our affairs in order so that all is prepared in the event of our death. After all, it is going to happen – we just don’t know when. But why bother? After all, once we’re dead, doesn’t it all become someone else’s problem? Yes
This page includes a huge array of information about Jewish circumcision (brit milah), and its modern alternative, brit shalom (with no cutting, or drawing blood). As Mark Reiss says: “Brit Shalom can be similar to the naming ceremony traditionally used for baby girls, sometimes called Brit Bat (daughter). Other names for Brit Shalom include Brit Ben
Brit Shalom ceremonies – resources Read More »
There are many websites, resources, and articles, by noted medical experts, rabbis and authorities on Jewish tradition and halachah (law) that set out the arguments both against brit milah (the circumcision ritual for Jewish boys), and for alternative welcoming, naming and covenant ceremonies (such as brit shalom) that do not involve cutting or drawing of blood. You will find a number of useful resources
Celebrating Brit Shalom (book by Moss & Wald) Read More »
One of the common questions that I hear from couples is: “What do people normally say in their vows at a Jewish wedding?” The ultra-traditional approach My first answer is that, the most common form for centuries was a very short statement, by only the groom, on placing the ring on the bride’s finger. The
Wedding Vows – a Jewish perspective Read More »
These are my own shorthand notes of a wonderful book by Rabbi Nancy Wiener, Beyond Breaking the Glass: A Spiritual Guide to Your Jewish Wedding, (2012, Central Conference of American Rabbis). I hope they encourage you to buy the book. By the way, the notes in square brackets are my own thoughts, rather than ideas gleaned
Beyond Breaking the Glass (Nancy Wiener) – notes on the book Read More »
The Sheva Brachot are one of the core ‘set pieces’ of a Jewish wedding. [Scroll to the end of this page to hear 4 different musical versions of the same blessings.] While the wording is very traditional, and the blessings are traditionally sung by the celebrant or a chazan (cantor), there are many ways to reframe the seven
Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) Read More »
Marriage is a support system for the deepest, highest selves – what spiritually oriented people might call the ‘souls’ – of the two partners. Take time to make a deep wedding ritual together, to bind yourselves together healthily and strongly.
Preparing for marriage Read More »
Watch/listen to Sim Shalom on YouTube BUY the sheet music (HIGH voice & pno/guit) – $4.95 BUY the sheet music (LOW voice & pno/guit) – $4.95 Translation: Bestow (‘put’) peace, goodness and blessing, grace, and loving-kindness and mercy, on us and on all Israel Your people. Bless us, our Creator, together as one with the