Rabbi Rayzel Raphael: 10 Questions with Rabbi Rayzel Raphael

Officiant - Rabbi Rayzel Raphael

Business: Rabbi Rayzel Raphael
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA
Experience: 20 Years
Profile: Rabbi Rayzel Raphael
Website: www.interfaithjewishweddings.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Mazal tov and congrats! if you are reading my page you must be getting ready for an exciting event and I'd love to help guide you through this wedding planning. I Love officiating weddings and have been doing this for over twenty years. Bringing my wisdom, experience and an open heart to the process, I support couples of all configurations in their celebration of love. As a rabbi, my specialty is Jewish/interfaith ceremonies and have felt called to help make interfaith couples welcome in the Jewish community. I work with my couples to create custom unique ceremonies, while making it as easy and stress free as possible - and preparing you for married life:)

While my home office is in the Philadelphia area, I do travel within a couple hours of home, and also welcome destination weddings. Please feel free to reach out throughl my website or shoot me an email at rrayzel@shechinah.com

2. What's your experience as a wedding officiant? How many weddings have your officiated?

I have officiated at hundreds of weddings including: Jewish/Jewish; Pagan/Jewish; Jewish/ Catholic; Jewish/Protestant; Jewish Lutheran; Jewish/Indian; nondenominational; Athiest, same sex, and more!

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

Although most couples book me a year- or two -in advance, I have done last minute weddings if I have the date free. I am able to slide into a emergency cancelation situation as needed, however to get the most out of what I have to offer, more advance planning is recommended. Because my weddings are custom made for each couple, more notice allows for more creativity.

4. How would you describe your officiant style?

I bring a joyous spirit, a good sense of humor to a wedding. Whether it is a fancy black tie affair, or a barefoot beach wedding, I can adapt to any situation. My goal is have everyone relaxed and happy to enjoy the day, parents included:)

5. What are your fees for officiating a wedding?

I have a sliding scale, let's talk for details!

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

My wedding wardrobe tends to run in the blues and purple and if I know the colors in advance I try to blend in and match the colors of the wedding party. I do have several colorful silk hand-painted Tallitot/prayer shawls that are my standard for ceremonies.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

I take my cues from my wedding couples depending on their needs. I have developed a process of marriage preparation that is a questionnaire ...they ask each other-- to make sure many important issues have been discussed. If there are any problems, then we discuss. I can meet in person, on zoom, phone or email- whatever is easiest for my couples.