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Weddings

Getting married? Mazel tov on your engagement! 

At Emanu-El, we are delighted to support couples through the joyful and sacred process of marriage. Our rabbis welcome all couples who seek a Jewish wedding, including interfaith and LGBTQ couples. 

In addition to officiating at wedding ceremonies, we offer numerous resources for couples including premarital counseling, Introduction to Judaism classes (with absolutely no pressure to convert!), Chuppah and Beyond, and many social opportunities to meet other couples.  

If you would like to learn more about weddings with one of our Emanu-El rabbis, please schedule a 30-minute video conversation with a rabbi who will answer all your questions and discuss options with you.   

To schedule this conversation, please contact Svetlana Leykin by email at [email protected] or by phone at 415-751-2541 x123.

It is customary to make a contribution in a couple’s honor, such as to the Temple’s Lifecycle Fund.

Chuppah and Beyond

Marriage Enrichment for Engaged and Newly Married Couples

Chuppah and Beyond is designed to help couples shape foundational tools for a successful, happy lifelong relationship, while simultaneously building community with other like-minded couples. 

• Winter 2023 Dates: January 18, 25; February 1, 8, 15, 22 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
• Program Cost:
  • Congregants: $250 per couple
  • Non-congregants: $350 per couple

The classes are led by Senior Rabbi Emeritus, and Taube Scholar, Stephen S. Pearce, who earned his doctorate in counselor psychology at St. John’s University (NY) with a specialization in marriage and family counseling. For 20 years, Dr. Pearce taught counseling and human relations at the Hebrew Union College, the rabbinical seminary of the Reform Movement. Rabbi Pearce will co-facilitate each class along members of the Temple Emanu-El clergy team and invited guests. Topics include:

• Communication, Realistic/Unrealistic Expectations, Escalating/Deescalating and Managing Conflict
• Intimacy, Honesty, and Commitment
• Money Matters and Financial Planning
• Equality, Jealousy, Insecurity, Addictions
• Parental Models, Child Rearing, Outside Family Interference
• Building A Faith-Based Home

REGISTRATION NOTE: If you have an account in our system already, please just mark yourself down as registering. Registration fees are paid in full by 1 person in the couple. Please email your partner’s name to Ariana Estoque at [email protected]