Weddings & Celebrations

Rutland Jewish Center is the one and only kosher institution in a very wide geographic area. Membership at RJC includes the rights, (other than reasonable fees to cover utilities and janitorial services) to hold simachot (celebrations) such as a bar/bat mitzvah, aufruf, baby-naming, or wedding. Several local caterers are approved to work in our premises to prepare and serve kosher meals for such events. The approval of our Rabbi is required in making all such arrangements.

Rabbi Weber is also available to officiate at weddings outside of the synagogue. Many couples from outside of Vermont choose to hold their wedding ceremonies at one of the several major nearby ski resorts, including Killington, Pico and Okemo. Rabbi Weber would be more than happy to travel to your off-site location for a wedding. For non-members, fees are assessed both by the Rabbi and the RJC. Rabbi Weber is also available to work with Jewish members of the GLBT community in adding a Jewish religious component to a Vermont Civil Union ceremony.

Rutland Jewish Center owns two chuppot available to rent:

The more elaborate chuppah has a rather solid, heavy base. Because it is unwieldy to transport, it does not normally leave the synagogue. This chuppah can easily accommodate significant floral decoration.

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The other, more portable chuppah consists of four poles anchored to blocks for stability, with a lightweight wooden frame on top. It does not have a cover. Normally, it is adorned with a large tallit or other appropriate cloth which couples must provide themselves. For non-members, there is a small fee for the rental of the portable chuppah.

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Please note:
The RJC permits chuppah rentals only for weddings performed by Rabbi Weber.

Weddings at the Rutland Jewish Center are restricted to persons presently of the Jewish faith. Rabbi Weber is a member of the Rabbinical Assembly (the association of Conservative rabbis), and is thus prohibited from officiating at weddings between Jews and non-Jews. At the same time, Rabbi Weber is quite willing and eager to work with those contemplating possible conversion to Judaism.

As is traditional Jewish practice, Rabbi Weber does not perform weddings on Shabbat (until at least 40 minutes after sundown on Saturday nights), major Jewish holidays and during the "ten days" immediately preceding the 9th day of Av (Tisha B'Av), which most often begin in late July through early August.

For more information, please contact Rabbi Weber directly.