Jewish Denominations on Gay Weddings

An evolving response.

Over the past decade, same-sex Jewish weddings have become more and more common in most types of Jewish communities. As the denominations have grappled with exactly how to officiate at these ceremonies, rabbis and couples have collaborated to create rituals that meet their needs and speak to them. Here are some links to articles about the policies and rituals from around the Jewish world.

gay men holding handsReform Movement Gay Marriage Resolution (Beliefnet)

Reconstructionist Movement Resolution Against Proposition 8 in California (JRF)

Conservatives Give Gay Wedding Guidance (Forward
Rabbis Adopt Two New Frameworks for Same Sex Marriages

Orthodox Rabbi marries same sex couple in historic wedding in DC (972mag)

New Twists on Tying the Knot (Ritualwell)
Three examples of same sex wedding rituals

Creating New Life Cycle Rituals (Ritualwell)
Seven features which distinguish gay and lesbian ceremonies from traditional wedding rituals.

Brit Ahuvim: Lovers’ Covenant (Ritualwell)
An alternative to a traditional ketubah

Seven Wedding Blessings for Two Men (Ritualwell)

Trans/Gender Queer Jewish Wedding Service (Ritualwell)
A ritual template for creating a Jewish wedding service that celebrates gender and sexual diversity.

A Traditional Lesbian Wedding (Ritualwell)

Gay Marriage’s Jewish Pioneer: Feygele ben Miriam (Tablet)

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Adapting the Sheva Brachot for Same-Sex Marriages

Tweaking the traditional rituals and blessings for LGBT wedding ceremonies.

Contemporary Wedding Issues

An overview of contemporary issues encountered in Jewish marriage: same-sex marriages, egalitarianism, prenuptial agreements, etc.

All About Jewish Wedding Rings

What do Jewish wedding rings look like and what do they mean?