To the Engaged Couple,

Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov!

I am honoured that you have asked me to officiate at your wedding. I am here to help make your special day into a meaningful, spiritual occasion that conforms to the standards of Jewish tradition. 

When two people marry, it is more than a union of two individuals. It is in fact a reunion of two halves of one soul, split before birth. The Jewish wedding is thus not simply a ceremony – it is a spiritual bonding that facilitates this reunion. Therefore its details are delicate, exact and extremely holy. It is the task of the rabbi to ensure that this runs smoothly. For that, we need to work together. I will accommodate as much as possible whatever special needs and requirements you may have.   

I make a few simple requests: 

1. A Kosher reception. Even for those who don’t usually only eat Kosher, the wedding day is holy, which includes the reception. A Kosher wedding is the right way to start a happy Jewish family. (In certain specific circumstances this condition may be negotiated. Each case is different, so please discuss it with me if there is an issue.) 

2) The Mikvah. A vital element of the Jewish wedding is the bride’s first visit to the Mikvah. My wife, Nechama Dina, will prepare you for this unique and beautiful experience. If you are not in Sydney, we will arrange for someone else to teach you. 

3) The Ketubah. I will provide the Ketubah (Jewish marriage document) to be used at the Chuppah. If you wish to purchase an artistic Ketubah, please liaise with me well in advance to discuss. 

4) Pre-marriage course. We run a course over three evenings to thoroughly prepare you for your wedding. It is an exciting and interactive discussion on the spiritual side of marriage, the meaning behind the ceremony, and Jewish wisdom on relationships. We will contact you about the dates. 

5) Forms. It is best to submit all forms as soon as possible. I need you both to fill out in detail:

(a) the online forms for the Sydney Beth Din (Religious component); and

(b) the online forms for Nefesh and the NSW Registry (Civil component).

This is a necessary formality to ensure the validity of the wedding, both religious and civil. The questions may seem technical but they are important. Obviously all information will be kept confidential.

The forms will also ask you for:  

  • scanned copies of both of your birth certificates and driver’s licences
  • if there were any previous marriages, I need proof of the termination of those marriages (e.g. civil divorce papers).

The wedding booking is only confirmed once both of the above forms have been submitted and approved. 

5) Membership to Nefesh Synagogue. Your wedding is the beginning of a new Jewish family. As the officiating Rabbi at your wedding, I hope to share many more happy times with you in the future. I would love to welcome you as a new member of Nefesh. Nefesh is a growing community comprising young and dynamic members. And you will benefit from the member discount for your wedding. 

My wife, Nechama Dina and I would love to welcome you to our Shul.  Our aim is to provide a social network and spiritual support that will always be there for you in the years ahead.

Wishing you all the best with your preparations. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions at any time.

With blessings,

Rabbi Moss