Best Jewish Civil & Interfaith Weddings with Celebrant Nitza Lowenstein
Multicultural Weddings ►
Jewish Civil Weddings & Jewish Wedding Rituals ✡️💍
Nitza Lowenstein is a celebrant with deep sympathy, respect, and understanding of all cultures, religions, and nationalities. Love knows no boundaries! 🌍💖
Nitza has established an enviable reputation as one of Australia’s leading marriage celebrants for mixed weddings—particularly for the union of a Jewish bride or groom with a partner from a different faith or nationality.
Nitza has established an enviable reputation as one of Australia’s leading marriage celebrants for mixed weddings—particularly for the union of a Jewish bride or groom with a partner from a different faith or nationality.
Known as the “Queen of Multicultural Weddings” in Australia, she has successfully officiated hundreds of mixed marriages since 1995.
The Challenge of Unity 🤝
Combining different rituals in a meaningful way can be challenging, but Nitza ensures that ceremonies are respectful and heartfelt, honoring the expectations of each family. She was the first celebrant in Australia to officiate Jewish civil weddings and interfaith ceremonies—and she continues to be the best! 👑
Combining different rituals in a meaningful way can be challenging, but Nitza ensures that ceremonies are respectful and heartfelt, honoring the expectations of each family. She was the first celebrant in Australia to officiate Jewish civil weddings and interfaith ceremonies—and she continues to be the best! 👑
When Nitza began her journey as a celebrant in 1995, civil ceremonies were often viewed as merely legal necessities, lacking the depth of synagogue or temple weddings. Understanding the importance of the ceremony to the bride, groom, and their families, Nitza took on the challenge of creating a “real” ceremony within the civil framework.
A Unique Approach 🌟
She incorporates ancient customs, values, symbols, and rituals that reflect the couple's ethnic backgrounds and traditions. Nitza proudly offers a Jewish civil ceremony that serves as a meaningful alternative to a synagogue wedding.
She incorporates ancient customs, values, symbols, and rituals that reflect the couple's ethnic backgrounds and traditions. Nitza proudly offers a Jewish civil ceremony that serves as a meaningful alternative to a synagogue wedding.
By including rituals from your Jewish heritage, even a single act like the “Breaking of the Glass,” your partner demonstrates respect and acceptance of your background, fostering harmony in your married life. Remember, it’s not just about religion or God—it’s about celebrating your identity, your family, and who you are. 🎉
Make your Big Day special by including unique customs and rituals that have been practiced for centuries. Nitza’s Jewish-style ceremony is inclusive and she takes the time to explain the symbolism behind each ritual, ensuring that everyone understands and appreciates the significance. ✨
Make your Big Day special by including unique customs and rituals that have been practiced for centuries. Nitza’s Jewish-style ceremony is inclusive and she takes the time to explain the symbolism behind each ritual, ensuring that everyone understands and appreciates the significance. ✨
The Challenge of Creating the Right Ceremony ✨
For Jewish Style Weddings 💍
As an experienced and perceptive celebrant, I understand the dilemmas that “mixed” couples face when planning their wedding ceremony. Interfaith or mixed-religion couples, especially when one partner is Jewish, often ask:
- Should we have a simple, neutral secular ceremony, focusing only on the legalities without acknowledging our heritage? 🤔
- How can we reflect who we truly are? 🌟
- How many symbols and rituals should we include?
- What balance should we strike between our cultures? ⚖️
My Continuous Challenge 🎯
I strive to create a ceremony for each couple that beautifully combines and reflects the cultures, religions, and traditions of both the bride and groom in a meaningful way.
I strive to create a ceremony for each couple that beautifully combines and reflects the cultures, religions, and traditions of both the bride and groom in a meaningful way.
My goal is to design a ceremony that expresses respect, acceptance, and tolerance for one another. I listen carefully to understand the specific ideas and needs of each couple—some desire minimal rituals, while others want to incorporate many.
Involving a Priest ⛪
Some couples wish to include their family priest in the ceremony. I have officiated several weddings between Jewish and Catholic partners where the priest participated alongside me. In these instances, it is my responsibility to ensure that the ceremony is conducted in a manner acceptable to the Jewish family.
Some couples wish to include their family priest in the ceremony. I have officiated several weddings between Jewish and Catholic partners where the priest participated alongside me. In these instances, it is my responsibility to ensure that the ceremony is conducted in a manner acceptable to the Jewish family.
Why Consider Me to Officiate Your Interfaith/Multicultural Jewish Wedding? 🌍💖
With my background, education, and experience, I am uniquely equipped to provide you with a personal and meaningful civil ceremony that honors the traditions and rituals of multiple cultures, including a Jewish marriage ceremony. As a Jewish celebrant fluent in Hebrew, I bring a special touch to your wedding. ✡️
Navigating the Synagogue Restrictions 🚫⛪
In Australia, if one partner is not Jewish, getting married in a synagogue is not possible. No Rabbi—whether Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox—will officiate a mixed wedding. For a non-Jewish partner to marry in a synagogue, they must convert to Judaism. However, I can assist you in crafting a civil ceremony with a Jewish flavor. You have the freedom to choose how much Jewish tradition you want to include! 🌟
In Australia, if one partner is not Jewish, getting married in a synagogue is not possible. No Rabbi—whether Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox—will officiate a mixed wedding. For a non-Jewish partner to marry in a synagogue, they must convert to Judaism. However, I can assist you in crafting a civil ceremony with a Jewish flavor. You have the freedom to choose how much Jewish tradition you want to include! 🌟
My Reputation Speaks for Itself 🗣️
Since 1995, thousands of guests have attended my ceremonies. Each wedding I officiate is distinct, with its own unique dynamics tailored to the couple’s preferences.
Since 1995, thousands of guests have attended my ceremonies. Each wedding I officiate is distinct, with its own unique dynamics tailored to the couple’s preferences.
The Secret to My Ceremony Success 🎉
I believe that a successful ceremony must be inclusive. It should resonate with everyone in attendance, regardless of their background or beliefs. I explain all the customs and rituals included, ensuring that every guest feels part of the celebration. This approach brings comfort and joy to families, allowing them to see their familiar rituals acknowledged and incorporated. 🤝❤️
I believe that a successful ceremony must be inclusive. It should resonate with everyone in attendance, regardless of their background or beliefs. I explain all the customs and rituals included, ensuring that every guest feels part of the celebration. This approach brings comfort and joy to families, allowing them to see their familiar rituals acknowledged and incorporated. 🤝❤️
You can choose to include as many or as few rituals as you desire. Each ceremony is deeply personal and varies from couple to couple.
A Civil Ceremony with a Jewish Flavor 🍷
While this is not a religious ceremony, it reflects a civil wedding infused with Jewish style. It allows the other partner to celebrate their big day with beautiful traditions passed down through generations. Guests appreciate and relate to the rituals, understanding their symbolism and significance.
While this is not a religious ceremony, it reflects a civil wedding infused with Jewish style. It allows the other partner to celebrate their big day with beautiful traditions passed down through generations. Guests appreciate and relate to the rituals, understanding their symbolism and significance.
Use Nitza's Chuppah for Your Civil Jewish Wedding 🌟
Create a Beautiful Ceremony Under the Chuppah
I invite you to use my stunning Chuppah (Huppah) for your civil Jewish wedding—free of charge!
This elegant marriage canopy adds a meaningful touch to your ceremony and can be set up anywhere you choose.
I invite you to use my stunning Chuppah (Huppah) for your civil Jewish wedding—free of charge!
This elegant marriage canopy adds a meaningful touch to your ceremony and can be set up anywhere you choose.
Features of My Chuppah:
- Simple & Beautiful: A timeless design that enhances your wedding ambiance.
- Portable & Easy to Set Up: Convenient for any location.
Check out the photos below to see how my Chuppah looks in different settings!
Please note: The white Chuppah is currently available, while the red one is not.
Please note: The white Chuppah is currently available, while the red one is not.
If you prefer, you can also hire a free-standing Chuppah from various suppliers. For more options, please visit the “Wedding Directory” link on my website.
Customs and Rituals in a Jewish Wedding Ceremony 💍✨
The Procession, Circling, Chuppah & Kippah
The Procession (Coming Down the Aisle) 🚶♀️🚶♂️
In Jewish tradition, the bride and groom are escorted to the Chuppah by their parents. In Chassidic and other communities, the groom is typically accompanied by his father and father-in-law, while the bride is escorted by her mother and mother-in-law. This beautiful custom symbolizes the joining of two families, moving away from the feudal tradition of “giving the bride from one man to another.” Parents stand under the Chuppah during the ceremony, highlighting their support for the couple's new life together. 🌟
In Jewish tradition, the bride and groom are escorted to the Chuppah by their parents. In Chassidic and other communities, the groom is typically accompanied by his father and father-in-law, while the bride is escorted by her mother and mother-in-law. This beautiful custom symbolizes the joining of two families, moving away from the feudal tradition of “giving the bride from one man to another.” Parents stand under the Chuppah during the ceremony, highlighting their support for the couple's new life together. 🌟
Circling the Groom Seven Times 🔄
Upon arriving at the Chuppah (pronounced "Hoopa"), the bride circles the groom seven times. This act holds multiple interpretations and is rich in symbolism. I will explain the various meanings of this circling during the ceremony, ensuring that everyone understands its significance.
Upon arriving at the Chuppah (pronounced "Hoopa"), the bride circles the groom seven times. This act holds multiple interpretations and is rich in symbolism. I will explain the various meanings of this circling during the ceremony, ensuring that everyone understands its significance.
The Chuppah: The Marriage Canopy 🌿
The Chuppah is a wedding canopy under which the bride and groom stand during the ceremony. It represents the couple joining together under one roof, symbolizing the new home and family unit they are creating. The canopy is covered on top, symbolizing security and protection, while remaining open on all sides to welcome family and friends. I will share the different meanings of the Chuppah during the ceremony, enriching the experience for all attendees.
The Chuppah is a wedding canopy under which the bride and groom stand during the ceremony. It represents the couple joining together under one roof, symbolizing the new home and family unit they are creating. The canopy is covered on top, symbolizing security and protection, while remaining open on all sides to welcome family and friends. I will share the different meanings of the Chuppah during the ceremony, enriching the experience for all attendees.
Kippah (Yarmulke or Skull Cap) 🎩
The Kippah is a head covering traditionally worn by men as a sign of reverence for God. This practice originated in ancient Rome when servants were required to cover their heads, indicating that Jews covered theirs to show they are servants of God. In a civil wedding, wearing a Kippah is optional; if chosen, it serves as a sign of respect.
The Kippah is a head covering traditionally worn by men as a sign of reverence for God. This practice originated in ancient Rome when servants were required to cover their heads, indicating that Jews covered theirs to show they are servants of God. In a civil wedding, wearing a Kippah is optional; if chosen, it serves as a sign of respect.
More Rituals of Jewish Weddings ✨💍
Bedeken & Veil Ceremony and The Rings Ceremony
Bedeken & Veil Ceremony 👰🤵
Before the marriage ceremony begins, the groom, along with the celebrant (that's me!), fathers, and the entire entourage, proceed to the bride, who is flanked by both mothers. This beautiful veiling ceremony involves the groom placing the veil over the bride's face while reciting a blessing traditionally given to Rebecca by her family:
"Achotenu: at hayi le alfei revavah"
("Our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousand" - Genesis 24:60).
After this, words of hope and prayer are extended by the parents. In some families, the bride's father may place his hands over her head and offer the priestly benediction.
Before the marriage ceremony begins, the groom, along with the celebrant (that's me!), fathers, and the entire entourage, proceed to the bride, who is flanked by both mothers. This beautiful veiling ceremony involves the groom placing the veil over the bride's face while reciting a blessing traditionally given to Rebecca by her family:
"Achotenu: at hayi le alfei revavah"
("Our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousand" - Genesis 24:60).
After this, words of hope and prayer are extended by the parents. In some families, the bride's father may place his hands over her head and offer the priestly benediction.
This custom of Bedeken recalls the story of Jacob, who mistakenly married Leah instead of Rachel. To avoid such confusion, it is now customary for the Chatan (groom) and Kallah (bride) to see each other before the ceremony. The veiling of the Kallah signifies her being set apart in holiness and highlights what the Chatan values most in her. While beauty may fade, a woman’s spiritual qualities endure. The veil serves as a reminder that although they are uniting in marriage, they remain distinct individuals. 🌹
The Rings Ceremony 💍
In the presence of two witnesses, the groom places the ring on the bride’s right hand. The wedding rings symbolize the deep commitments and eternal love shared by the couple. The ring given by the groom represents his promise to protect and provide for his wife.
In the presence of two witnesses, the groom places the ring on the bride’s right hand. The wedding rings symbolize the deep commitments and eternal love shared by the couple. The ring given by the groom represents his promise to protect and provide for his wife.
It is crucial that the wedding ring is the groom's property, as this is a significant aspect of the ceremony that legally binds the marriage. In a Jewish wedding, the groom states:
"Harey At Mekudeshet Li Betaba-at zo, Ke-dat Moshe Ve-Israel"
("This ring is a symbol of your sacredness unto me, according to the Law of Moses and Israel").
In a civil ceremony, he may say:
"Harey At Mekudeshet Li Betaba-at zo, Kedat Elohim U’bney Adam"
("This ring is a symbol of your sacredness unto me, according to the ways of God and humanity").
"Harey At Mekudeshet Li Betaba-at zo, Ke-dat Moshe Ve-Israel"
("This ring is a symbol of your sacredness unto me, according to the Law of Moses and Israel").
In a civil ceremony, he may say:
"Harey At Mekudeshet Li Betaba-at zo, Kedat Elohim U’bney Adam"
("This ring is a symbol of your sacredness unto me, according to the ways of God and humanity").
I have crafted a personal and meaningful “Ring Ceremony” that includes a beautiful love poem in Hebrew, tailored specifically for my couples. 💖
Let’s Talk!
📞 0418 453 865
✉️ nitza.lowenstein@gmail.com
📞 0418 453 865
✉️ nitza.lowenstein@gmail.com
More customs of Jewish weddings:
Wine, Breaking of the Glass, Seven Blessings & Ketubah
Blessing over the Wine
The Ritual of “Drinking wine” is included in every Jewish wedding ceremony!
We include this ritual in our ceremony, but we give it a universal explanation!
For the wedding ceremony, the Kiddush Cup, a silver goblet, is used.
You may choose not to say the blessing in your ceremony!
But you can have the drinking ritual, as in our ceremony the bride will give a drink of wine to the groom as well! The couple may engrave on a silver Kiddush cup, (a silver goblet), their names and the date of the wedding, to have as something really special they can pass on to their children) The blessing on the Wine in Hebrew: “Baruch Ata…Boreh Peri Hagafen”… (The blessing on the wine) We praise You, Adonai, our Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has created the fruit of the vine.
Breaking of the Glass in a Jewish wedding
The breaking of the glass concludes the wedding ceremony.
This tradition has several interpretations and I include the many explanations, in our ceremony. Some say, tongue in cheek (as a joke) that this moment symbolizes the last time that the groom gets to “put his foot down”! After the glass is broken the congregation traditionally calls out: ”Mazal Tov”! Congratulations! (Good luck for their married life together)
The Traditional Seven Blessings of a Jewish wedding
"The Sheva Berachot"
Among the loveliest of traditional Jewish ceremonies are the Seven Wedding Blessings, “Sheva Brachot”, which have come down to us from centuries past and are still very relevant and appropriate to modern day weddings.
The blessings that are the heart of the marriage ceremony are an astonishing mixture of public and private joy. I do explain the blessings!
We read the blessings in Hebrew one at the time, followed by the English translation. Being Jewish and fluent in Hebrew, I can beautifully read the blessings in Hebrew, if you decide to include it in your wedding
The traditional Jewish Blessing: (Benediction)
“Ye-varechicha Adonai V’yishmirechah” “May the Lord bless you and keep you” Etc.,This blessing by the way is common to Jews and Christians. I recite it in Hebrew and in English. I can read it only in English if this is your choice.
Ketubah
The Ketubah is: The Jewish Legal Marriage contract Written in Aramaic and dating back to biblical times, the Ketubah, is a pre-nuptial marriage contract.
Prior to the ceremony, the groom formally accepts it terms and conditions and agrees to undertake the obligations of a Jewish husband.
He must have two witnesses, who are unrelated to either the bride or the groom.
The signing of the Ketubah is an acknowledgement of marriage not only as an emotional and physical union, but as a legal and moral commitment made to one another. The Ketubah is read to the couple under the Chuppah, before it is given to the bride. It was instituted for the purpose of protecting the woman, should she lose her husband. In our ceremony you may choose to use a symbolic Ketubah, as a Ketubah is only given in a religious Jewish ceremony!After our ceremony, we sign the legal civil marriage certificate,Witnessed by two witnesses! (Anyone over 18 can witness the civil Marriage certificate)
Don't forget:
Dancing the "Horah" during the reception...
It is an important part of a Jewish wedding...
Let's talk: 0418453865 nitza.lowenstein@gmail.com
The wedding of Margot and Oleh
Filmed by ABC TV with Nitza Lowenstein
I Officiated Margot & Oleh's wedding on March 2009. The wedding was filmed & documented by the ABC TV on Compass To watch this documentary please click on the Media link, “Faithfully Yours” on this website. Margot and Oleh's wedding was wonderful and very challenging for me as a celebrant. They represent multicultural Australia.Oleh is the son of Ukrainian Christian migrants & Margot is the daughter of South African Jewish migrants. They were both secular but wanted to include rituals from their own culture in their wedding ceremony, as respect and acknowledgement of their own heritage and family, with acceptance and respect for each other. Margo's parents, expected to see Margo getting married under a Chuppah, a marriage canopy, just as they did and their ancestors.
The Chuppah in a Jewish ceremony represents the new home and the new family unit that the couple will build and create together. It is covered on top as security and protection and is open on all sides to symbolize hospitality.
Family and friends will always be welcome in this new home.
But this Chuppah, which symbolizes as I've said, the foundations of Margot and Oleh's new home, was designed, created and built by Oleh, with respect to Margot's heritage.
Margot and Oleh have chosen a beautiful Ukrainian cloth for their Chuppah.
Under this Chuppah they bring together to their union, their two special cultures.
An additional challenge at this wedding was the location and the rain.
It is more difficult, to conduct a meaningful ceremony with style decorum and substance, out of the comfort zone of the church or synagogue.
Fortunately we achieved it, despite of the rain.
Nitza Lowenstein A Sydney Jewish marriage celebrant
Officiating wedding all over Australia and Overseas (Bali, India, Thailand) Weddings in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, QLD with Sydney Celebrant Nitza
Jewish style weddings around Australia With Sydney wedding Celebrant, Nitza Lowenstein
Jewish Civil weddings in Sydney
All around Australia & overseas Hunter Valley,
With Sydney marriage Celebrant Nitza Lowenstein
Jewish weddings, Jewish interfaith weddings, with Jewish celebrant
Sydney marriage celebrant, Nitza Lowenstein
Officiating Jewish style wedding in Sydney,
All around Australia and Overseas
The wedding of a Jewish partner with an Indian (Hindu) partner
Over the years I have had many mixed couples
Jewish & Indian or Sri-Lankan (Hindu)
I was also invited to Mumbai in India
To officiate a wedding of an Indian Jewish bride
and
An Indian Hindu groom
See my story: Media stories
The photos below are from Ashwan and Jessica's wedding
Indian Wedding traditions combined with Jewish Marriage traditions, at the beautiful wedding of Jessica & Ashwan, in Curzon Hall
With Sydney Celebrant Nitza Lowenstein.
Please Note: The groom arrived on a white horse…
Jewish wedding under a Chuppah &
Hindu wedding under a Hindu marriage canopy…
Funeral Services
Nitza Lowenstein Sydney Celebrant
Contact me on 0418453865 or nitza.lowenstein@gmail.com
The Human life cycle is Birth, Marriages and Death.
As a Civil celebrant I am privileged as well, to participate and conduct funeral services.I believe that every human being deserves to depart this world in dignity.
Relatives and friends are also entitled to farewell their loved one, in the most meaningful, loving and appropriate way
Dealing with death is distressing, upsetting and most difficult for family and friend.
Whether expected or unexpected, losing someone we know and love is the hardest time of our lives.
It is important to say goodbye in a meaningful sincere way that it will be uplifting & comforting to the mourners with love and respect.
Very important part of my funeral service is the personal Eulogy, to highlight the life of the deceased and say goodbye to him/her in a loving and meaningful way and in fact celebrating the life of the deceased and the impact he/she left on us.
I work with the family members to create this memorable eulogy for the funeral service.
As a journalist, I know how to capture the essence and beauty of the life of the deceased and share it with the mourners.I feel that I do something important by conducting appropriate and respectful funeral services, as I smile, laugh and cry with the mourners, knowing that the deceased would have approved and being able to bring comfort to the mourners I will also ask the mourners to share their memories of the deceased with us.
The secular funeral service: Music
An introduction and welcome to the family and mourners
The personal Eulogy
(Highlights of the life journey of the deceased, written by myself with the information given to me by the family.
Slideshow or video of their life
Final Goodbye to their coffin or ashes
A moment silent
The conclusion of the funeral ceremony
I have worked with many funeral directors & funeral services around SydneyPlease don't hesitate to contact me: 0418453865
nitza.lowenstein@gmail.com
Secular Civil Jewish Funeral Services
With Jewish Sydney Celebrant, Nitza Lowenstein
The Human life cycle is Birth, Marriages and Death.
As a Civil celebrant I am privileged as well, to participate and conduct funeral services.
I believe that every human being deserves to depart this world in dignity.
Relatives and friends are also entitled to farewell their loved one,
In the most meaningful and appropriate way
I am available to conduct the funeral ceremony in according to the Jewish tradition. I will officiate and conduct the funeral service write & deliver a special eulogy and will include as many Jewish customs & rituals as the family wishes. I can include in the civil, Jewish, secular funeral service:
The Jewish secular funeral service:
Music if requested
An introduction and welcome to the family and mourners
An introduction and welcome to the family and mourners
The personal Eulogy (Highlights of the life journey of the deceased, written by myself with the information given to me by the family.
Tributes, memories, stories & anecdotes shared by family & friends
Slideshow or video of their life
Final Goodbye to their coffin or ashes
Final Goodbye to their coffin or ashes
A moment silent
The conclusion of the funeral ceremony
The conclusion of the funeral ceremony
The following Jewish prayers and readings will be included as well
if requested.
Passages from the Zohar, the book of the Kabbalah, the mystical Jewish tradition, Psalm 23 (Tehilim Chapter 23) The Lord is my shepherd,
The very special memorial prayers, El Maleh Rahamim (O Lord who art full of compassion),The traditional mourner’s Kaddish and more.
All the prayers are recited, in fluent Hebrew and in English.
Very important part of my funeral service is the personal Eulogy,
to highlight the life of the deceased and say goodbye to him/her in a loving and meaningful way.
With my background as a radio broadcaster and public speaker, the funeral ceremony will be delivered with professionalism & respect,
as well as great care and warmth.
I have worked with many funeral directors & funeral services around Sydney
Sometimes, I get referrals from Sydney Chevra Kadisha
Call me please +61418453865 & Nitza.lowenstein@gmail.com
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