The New Jewish Wedding

The New Jewish Wedding provides a practical guide to planning and understanding Jewish wedding traditions and customs. The book covers both ancient rituals and modern interpretations of Jewish marriage ceremonies. The text walks through each aspect of a Jewish wedding, from engagement through the reception, explaining the meaning and requirements of customs like the ketubah, chuppah, and breaking of the glass. Specific chapters address music selections, ceremonial objects, and ways to personalize elements while maintaining tradition. This updated edition includes expanded information on interfaith marriages, same-sex ceremonies, and evolving roles for men and women in Jewish wedding practices. Diamant incorporates real examples from contemporary couples alongside historical context. The book serves as both a planning manual and a window into how Jewish wedding traditions adapt while preserving their essential spiritual and cultural significance. Its examination of these customs reveals broader themes about the evolution of religious practice in modern life.

Readers value this book as a practical guide for planning Jewish weddings, with clear explanations of traditions and customs. Many found it helpful for interfaith couples and those less familiar with Jewish practices. Liked: - Detailed explanations of rituals and their meanings - Sample ceremony scripts and prayers - Practical planning checklists - Inclusive approach to different Jewish denominations - Discussion of modern adaptations and choices Disliked: - Some Reform Jews note it leans traditional/Conservative - A few found the tone prescriptive rather than suggestive - Some wanted more interfaith ceremony examples - Several mentioned outdated planning advice in older editions One reader noted: "Helped me understand the meaning behind customs I'd only seen but never understood." Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (481 reviews) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (517 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (22 reviews) Most reviews recommend getting the newest edition (2012) for current planning information.

The Modern Jewish Wedding by Margot Strom A resource guide covering contemporary Jewish wedding customs, rituals, and traditions with historical context and practical planning information.

Jewish Literacy by Joseph Telushkin A comprehensive reference work explaining Jewish traditions, laws, and lifecycle events including marriage ceremonies and customs.

Inside Intermarriage by Jim Keen A guide examining how interfaith couples navigate Jewish wedding traditions and marriage while honoring multiple religious backgrounds.

Celebrating Interfaith Marriages by Devon Lerner A handbook for creating Jewish wedding ceremonies that incorporate elements from other faith traditions and cultural backgrounds.

The Jewish Way in Love and Marriage by Maurice Lamm An exploration of Jewish marriage laws, customs, and ceremonies from traditional rabbinic perspectives with historical documentation.

🕊️ Author Anita Diamant is best known for her fiction work "The Red Tent," which became an international bestseller and reimagined the biblical story of Dinah. 💍 First published in 1985, "The New Jewish Wedding" has been revised multiple times to reflect changing traditions and the inclusion of interfaith, same-sex, and other contemporary ceremonies. 📚 The book was one of the first comprehensive guides to help couples blend ancient Jewish wedding traditions with modern sensibilities and values. 🗣️ The term "Ketubah," discussed extensively in the book, refers to the Jewish marriage contract that dates back more than 2000 years and has evolved from a document about property rights to an artistic expression of love and commitment. 🌟 Before writing this guidebook, Diamant worked as a freelance journalist and wrote for several Jewish publications, including Reform Judaism magazine and The Jewish Advocate.