A wedding day is one of the most special moments in a couple’s lives. Every couple wants to make sure their wedding day is perfect, including deciding on the most appropriate time and day for their wedding. For Jewish couples, the question may arise whether they can get married on Saturday or not. This question is especially important for reform Jews, who may have a more liberal approach to traditional Jewish customs and practices. In this blog post, we will explore whether Reform Jews can get married on a Saturday or if there are limitations on the day that they can choose for their wedding.
The Sabbath Day in Judaism
The Sabbath is a holy day in Judaism that is observed every Saturday. It is a day of rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Jews are prohibited from doing any work on this day, and Jewish law prohibits certain activities, such as cooking, writing, driving, and handling money.
The Sabbath day is considered a sacred day of the week, and Jewish tradition encourages the focus to be on spiritual, rather than worldly matters. The day’s observance typically includes attending synagogue services, studying the Torah, and spending time with family and friends.
Can Reform Jews Get Married on Saturday?
Jewish weddings are not allowed on the Sabbath day, regardless of what Jewish movement the couple belongs to. This is true for Reform Jews as well. However, in more liberal Jewish movements such as Reform and Reconstructionist, rabbis, and cantors who officiate at weddings are often willing to perform weddings that begin late Saturday afternoon.
According to Jewish law, the Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. Although it is not proper to perform certain activities on the Sabbath, such as spending money, there are exceptions made for weddings that begin after the Sabbath has ended.
Nevertheless, there are limitations to these exceptions. For example, the ceremony cannot take place before nightfall on Saturday, and the wedding reception cannot involve any activities that are prohibited on the Sabbath. It is also important to note that some rabbis may hesitate to perform weddings that begin late on Saturday simply because it may not be in the best interest of the couple. These questions and nuances must be explored with the officiant as they prepare for their wedding.
Other Considerations for Reform Jewish Weddings
Apart from the limitations of the Sabbath day, there are other considerations for Reform Jews planning a wedding. In the Reform Movement, the ceremony can be performed anywhere and does not have to be conducted in a synagogue. The ceremony is often led by a rabbi or cantor, but a civil official, like a justice of the peace, can also officiate the ceremony.
Additionally, the Reform Movement allows for interfaith marriages. A Reform Jew can marry a non-Jewish partner, and the ceremony can be adjusted to accommodate the non-Jewish partner’s beliefs and allow them to participate in the ceremony.
In situations where both partners are Jewish, they may choose to incorporate some traditions from their respective backgrounds into the ceremony. This includes the breaking of the glass, the Ketubah signing, and the Hora.
Conclusion
While Jewish weddings are not allowed on the Sabbath day, Reform Jews can still have their wedding on a Saturday if the ceremony begins after the Sabbath has ended. However, couples must respect the limits of observing the Sabbath, and the celebration should not involve any activities that are prohibited during the Sabbath. It is important that the couple consults with their officiant about the considerations of a Saturday wedding who can guide them in making appropriate decisions suitable for their beliefs. A Reform Jewish wedding can take place anywhere, may include interfaith marriages, is adaptable to incorporate Jewish traditions, and can be personalized to the couple’s preferences without being unorthodox. Regardless of the specifics of the ceremony, it is vital that Reform Jews approach their wedding day with a focus on the sacredness of their union and their commitment to each other and their faith.
FAQ
Can Orthodox Jews attend a wedding on Saturday?
Orthodox Jews strictly follow the commandments and laws of the Torah. One of the most important commandments is to observe the Shabbat (Sabbath), which starts on Friday evening and ends on Saturday night. During this time, they refrain from doing any work or engaging in any activity that can be considered as labor. The definition of work can vary from person to person, but it is generally interpreted as activities like driving, cooking, shopping, or anything that involves exerting physical or mental effort.
When it comes to attending a wedding on a Saturday, Orthodox Jews would typically refrain from doing so until after sundown. This is because the Shabbat is a time for rest and spiritual contemplation, and attending a wedding would be seen as a form of entertainment that goes against the spirit of the day. Furthermore, Orthodox Jews believe that participating in a wedding ceremony during the Shabbat is a desecration of the holy day.
It is important to note that there are different levels of observance among Orthodox Jews, and opinions may vary on whether attending a Saturday wedding is acceptable. Some may see it as a violation of the Shabbat, while others may consider it permissible as long as they are not directly involved in any labor or activities that are prohibited.
While Orthodox Jews may attend a wedding that takes place after the end of the Shabbat, it is generally considered inappropriate to do so during the Sabbath. It is important to be mindful of their religious beliefs and customs when planning a wedding or any other event that involves their participation. Respecting their observance of the Shabbat is a way of showing respect for their culture and traditions.
What do Reform Jews believe about marriage?
In Reform Judaism, marriage is viewed as an equal partnership between two people who are committed to each other and to building a Jewish home together. The Reform movement was the first Jewish denomination to officially recognize same-sex marriage, embracing the belief that all people should be able to love and commit themselves to whomever they choose.
Reform Jews believe that marriage is a sacred institution that should be entered into by consenting adults who are committed to building a meaningful life together. Procreation is not the central focus of marriage for Reform Jews, but rather, the establishment of a strong and fulfilling relationship between two partners. Additionally, Reform Jews reject the idea that only a man and a woman can create a Jewish home, and instead, view any two people who are committed to each other as capable of building a Jewish family and raising Jewish children.
One of the central tenets of Reform Judaism is the importance of individual autonomy and personal choice. When it comes to marriage, Reform Jews believe that couples should be free to make their own decisions about the form and structure of their relationships. This means that couples may choose to have a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony or create a personalized ceremony that better reflects their values and beliefs.
Reform Jews believe that marriage is about building a strong and enduring partnership between two people who share a commitment to Jewish values and traditions. As Rabbi Aaron Panken, a former leader of the Reform movement, put it, “When two people stand under the chuppah, it is an expression of love, commitment, and a commitment to Jewish values that they will undertake together. This is the essence of Reform Jewish marriage.”
Is Tuesday a lucky day for Jews?
In Jewish tradition, the concept of weekdays having associated lucky or unlucky qualities is a longstanding one. Each day of the week has its own unique significance rooted in biblical lore and Jewish tradition. While it may vary within different Jewish communities, Tuesday is generally considered a particularly lucky day. The reason for this is found in the first chapters of Genesis, which are known in the Christian tradition as “Bereshit.”
In Bereshit, God creates light on the first day, sets a boundary between waters on the second day, and creates the dry land and plants on the third day. However, according to Jewish tradition, the biblical account takes note of the phrase “it was good” twice when discussing Tuesday’s creation. It is believed that Tuesday’s creation was significantly blessed and that this blessing has carried through to this day.
For some Jews, Tuesday is considered to be an auspicious day for beginning new endeavors or embarking on important projects. Many opt to schedule weddings, business meetings, or other important events on Tuesdays to ensure success. In traditional Jewish legend, it is believed that the day is so lucky that even the most ill-fated or unpropitious of events can turn positive on Tuesdays.
While there may be differences in opinions for some Jewish traditions, Tuesday is generally considered a day of good fortune and is seen as an ideal day for starting new journeys, projects, and endeavors.
What day does the week start for Jews?
The Jewish people follow a lunar-based calendar called the Hebrew or Jewish calendar. Unlike the common Gregorian calendar, which is widely used worldwide and is solar-based, the Jewish calendar consists of 12 lunar months, with each month beginning at the sighting of the new moon.
In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath is considered the most important day of the week, being a day of rest, reflection, and remembrance of God’s creation of the world. The Sabbath begins Friday evening before sunset and continues until after nightfall on Saturday. During the Sabbath, Jews abstain from work, commerce, and other activities that might detract from the purpose of the day.
Although Jews consider the Sabbath as the most important day of the week, in terms of counting the days of the week, Sunday is considered the first day of the week on the Jewish calendar. This concept of Sunday being the first day of the week also applies in Christianity, providing a link between the two religious traditions.
Furthermore, the Jewish calendar assigns specific meanings to each day of the week, with each day taking on a particular spiritual energy and purpose. For example, in Jewish tradition, Monday is viewed as a day for renewal and starting new projects, while Tuesday is a day for abundance and success. Wednesday symbolizes harmony and finding balance, while Thursday is associated with kindness and compassion, and Friday represents completion and preparation for the Sabbath.
While Jews consider the Sabbath to be the most significant day of the week, Sunday is considered the first day of the week in Jewish tradition. The Jewish calendar also assigns unique meanings to each day of the week, providing a framework for Jews to reflect on their spiritual journey throughout the week.