By Cheryl Hinneburg
Israel
In Israel most weddings are planned according to Jewish religious customs. The marriage is performed by a rabbi and under what is traditionally called a "hupa," or arch. The ceremonies are generally followed by a big reception. There are two parts in a traditional Israeli wedding ceremony, Kiddushin and Nisuin. Kiddushin sanctifies the relationship of marriage and Nisuin is performed to thank God for his blessings.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need:
- Valid passport
Birth certificate
Budget
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Budget
Step 1
Inspect your passport carefully to make sure it is valid. Have a copy of your birth certificate handy as well.
Step 2
Present your file to the top Jewish religious governing body, formally called the Rabbinate. Also, establish who your witnesses for the ceremony will be. Register for your marriage license with the Rabbinate.
Confirm that your rabbi is allowed to perform weddings in Israel. If he is unable, contact a rabbi in Israel and acquire his services. If you employ a wedding planning service, this will be taken care of.
Step 4
Decide where you will hold the ceremony. Many weddings in Israel are performed in event gardens or parks. Visit a number of places before making a decision. Some of the wedding hot spots include Neot Kedumim, Shulchan David on Mount Zion, Simcha Hall, Mount Zion Hotel, Terasa and Beit Shmuel.
Step 5
Plan the reception. Wedding receptions in Israel are usually big gala events, but it depends on your budget. The options are endless when you are planning a wedding in Israel. Some couples opt for a small dinner reception after the ceremony; others throw a huge reception at a banquet hall. Some even have firework displays.
Step 6
Find a kosher caterer, entertainment, a wedding cake and a photographer. Make hotel reservations for your guests. This information can be obtained in a thorough Internet search but always cross-check your final options with a credible source first (See Resources).
Resources
About the Author:
Cheryl Hinneburg has been a freelance writer for five years. In addition to the regular clients that she works for, Hinneburg also writes regularly for Demand Studios and Associated Content, and is a provider for eLance. She is an award-winning poet and is currently working on a Master of Science with a certificate in substance abuse counseling at Capella University.
Photo Credits:
Brand X Pictures Royalty Free Photograph
