Shalom!
For much of the past 20 years I've served individuals and communities as a wedding officiant, spiritual leader, soloist, teacher, music specialist, choir director, B’nai Mitzvah instructor and mentor, Jewish music and liturgy consultant, life-cycle officiant, performer, songwriter, and concert producer. I received my Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance from the University of Massachusetts and shortly following my graduation came to Los Angeles where I trained for the cantorate successively with cantors Samuel Kelemer, William Sharlin and Nate Lam. I am a commissioned member of the American Conference of Cantors and a Fellow of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. I reside in Culver City with my wife, with whom I've been happily married for over 12 years, and our amazing eight-year-old daughter.
My strengths as a wedding officiant are my friendly, professional demeanor and ability to listen and respond to a couple's specific needs. I'm also an excellent singer whose voice (and guitar playing, if requested) adds warmth and beauty to the service.
Please read on to learn more and feel free to call anytime.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
On Intermarriage
The main consequence of marrying outside the Jewish religion, growing up in an observant community on Long Island, was made clear at an early age: disappointment. But for me, as a young adult, this was not enough of a incentive to stay away from non-Jewish women. There was something alluring about it, much more than cheeseburgers. However, my background held sway: intermarriage was not something I would embrace for myself.
When I first became a cantor, the question of whether or not to officiate at intermarriages didn’t arise. It’s only been in the last five years that I’ve had to make choices about it. To what extent was I comfortable officiating? What were my criteria? Did the non-Jewish partner need to commit to living a Jewish life? Having been certified first by the Conservative and then by the Reform movement factored in to this as well.
So I experimented. Most often the non-Jewish partner had no religious conviction and was supportive of the Jewish partner’s choice to have a cantor officiate. As one who is interested in supporting positive Jewish life, I enjoyed this opportunity. But about a year ago I faced a more difficult choice: to co-officiate with a priest for a couple whose non-Jewish partner was deeply committed to Catholicism. I chose to go for it.
As you can guess, it was a wonderful experience. What swayed me was the degree of respect and love that the couple had not only for one another but also for their respective spiritual journeys. It also made a difference to learn that they were so close to their families and that their families were supportive of their choice. I enjoyed officiating with the priest, too. His personal style and approach to the liturgy was interesting and delightful, too.
My view of officiating at intermarriages is forever altered. If you and your fiancé are from different religious backgrounds and are interested in an understanding and supportive Jewish interfaith officiant, I suggest you contact me!
When I first became a cantor, the question of whether or not to officiate at intermarriages didn’t arise. It’s only been in the last five years that I’ve had to make choices about it. To what extent was I comfortable officiating? What were my criteria? Did the non-Jewish partner need to commit to living a Jewish life? Having been certified first by the Conservative and then by the Reform movement factored in to this as well.
So I experimented. Most often the non-Jewish partner had no religious conviction and was supportive of the Jewish partner’s choice to have a cantor officiate. As one who is interested in supporting positive Jewish life, I enjoyed this opportunity. But about a year ago I faced a more difficult choice: to co-officiate with a priest for a couple whose non-Jewish partner was deeply committed to Catholicism. I chose to go for it.
As you can guess, it was a wonderful experience. What swayed me was the degree of respect and love that the couple had not only for one another but also for their respective spiritual journeys. It also made a difference to learn that they were so close to their families and that their families were supportive of their choice. I enjoyed officiating with the priest, too. His personal style and approach to the liturgy was interesting and delightful, too.
My view of officiating at intermarriages is forever altered. If you and your fiancé are from different religious backgrounds and are interested in an understanding and supportive Jewish interfaith officiant, I suggest you contact me!
Commitment as An Officiant
My commitment as an officiant is to create a space of warmth, sanctity, beauty, and joy for couples and their guests. As I get to know you I will gain a clear sense of what will touch and inspire you most during the ceremony. My intention is that the total experience of our work together deepens your connection to one another and inspires you to honor the commitments you will make for the rest of your lives.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Why a Cantor?
The main reason is song!
From the opening song of welcome to the final offering of blessing, my singing adds a dimension of warmth, connection, and inspiration that can not be felt through words alone. I'm also an excellent guitarist with a large repertoire of songs in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish and with enough lead time I can prepare your favorite song, as well. Please contact me if you would like me to send you a sample of my singing voice and style.
In case you didn't know, invested cantors are fully authorized to officiate religious and civic wedding ceremonies.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Getting to Know You- Lead up to the Ceremony
After you've chosen to work with me, we will meet a minimum of three times. Our first meeting is for you to share the story of your love: who you are and how you found one another. I will learn about your families, your commitments as individuals and as a couple, and about your faith. And I will learn about your vision for the ceremony of your dreams. Our second meeting focuses on the details of the ceremony itself. We review the basic structure of a Jewish ceremony, further explore your vision, and work together to construct a format that satisfies your needs and desires. If it is an interfaith wedding, we fashion a plan that celebrates you or your partner's religious faith and/or family-specific traditions. Our final meeting takes place at the wedding site itself and will most likely coincide with your dress rehearsal. We review the details of the ceremony, of course, and I will support you in relaxing. Throughout the process, we communicate by phone or e-mail to review details and for you to express any concerns. My pleasure!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Gay and Lesbian Jewish Weddings
It's a remarkable time in human history and one that presents a precious opportunity for gay and lesbian couples to legally express their love for, and commitment to, one another. As a cantor who has officiated at dozens of beautiful and meaningful ceremonies with Jewish and interfaith couples for the past 20 years, I would be honored to bring spirituality and joy to your upcoming celebration. My intention is to meet at least three times with couples: first to get to know you; second, to review the details of the ceremony itself; third, to finalize the details and/or rehearse the ceremony. Please call or write to me to learn more. Standing beneath the Huppah is often the most holy and joyous moment in a person's life. My overriding objective is to help you both feel calm and connected to one another throughout the process so that you can be present to the experience of holiness and joy.Feel free to drop me a line at R.J.Schwartz@sbcglobal.net or call at 310-838-8338
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