1st meeting with rabbi

signingjulie

we have our first meeting with the rabbi tomorrow and have no idea what to expect.  My FI made the appointment and hasn't actually talked to the rabbi (booked it through his secretary).  We are trying to compile a list of questions.  Any advice/input/important things for us to ask? all input is helpful! TIA.  p.s he is a Reform rabbi

emily.skazer

This is late, but still appropriate for others. I am still searching for a rabbi to officiate at my own wedding. Here is what I found out so far. Make sure you ask if s/he'll come to the rehearsal (many won't) and if s/he will be attending the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and reception. Find out how many times s/he'll meet with you, whether s/he will come to visit you at your house. The better quality rabbis, who are actually rabbis and not just performers (my fh wanted to add this esp.) will not only meet with you once, but multiple times, and many times at your own house (without additional fees). They should want to really get to know you and how you live, work and what your relationship is really all about. Em

slbriz34

Jews don't really have rehearsal, therefore rabbis will not attend.  Really, as long as you have enough meetings together, there's no reason for there to be a rehearsal.  But certainly finding a rabbi that will be available by phone/email when you need him (or her) is helpful.

emily.skazer

That's not true, at all. Jewish and interfaith weddings both have rehearsals. I've been at several. If you don't have a wedding party and it's only gonna be you and your FI under the chuppah, then maybe you don't need a rehearsal, but for anything larger, a rehearsal is a must. All the weddings I've been at where they skipped having a rehearsal have been very confused, mixed up affairs, where you could tell no one knew what they were doing or where they were supposed to go and do. Em