Rabbi question

musicalmaniac86

How far in advance should we meet with the Rabbi?

Bonzo2011

This probably depends on your relationship with your rabbi. Do you have one in mind already? Or are you needing to interview different rabbis?

When FI and I got engaged, there was really no question in our minds that we would ask the rabbi of the synagogue where I grew up to officiate. We met with him soon after our engagement to hash out a date that would work for both families and the rabbi. That was about 1 year ago now. We didn't start working on the ceremony with him until more recently, in December.

jessicabessica

Do you mean to find a rabbi or to meet with a rabbi that you've already booked?  

If you mean finding a rabbi, do this ASAP.  According to your planner, your date is July 7, 2013...July 4th weekend.  I got married the Sunday of July 4th weekend this past summer, and it was a very popular date for Jewish weddings--many of the rabbis we wanted were already committed to weddings for our date.  

If you mean meeting with a rabbi you've already booked, I would ask the rabbi what her/his preference is.  Keep in mind that you will probably need the rabbi's input on some aspects of your planning--getting the ketubah, getting the wedding rings, etc.--so make sure you've had a basic conversation about the rabbi's requirements before you start getting things like that (although you have plenty of time).  I recommend reading Anita Diamant's book, "The New Jewish Wedding," before you meet with the rabbi (or anytime, really)...super helpful with planning, and you will actually know what the rabbi is talking about when you go through everything, unless you're already super-knowledgeable about Jewish weddings.  

musicalmaniac86

Thanks for the advice ladies! I talked to the Cantor we had decided on today and she is available and excited to officiate .