RABBI AARON BISNO
Ask the Rabbi
My FAQ page is designed to help you find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions I receive about wedding officiation. My goal is to make the process of planning your wedding ceremony as easy and stress-free as possible. Hopefully, we'll have a little fun along the way too.
If you have a question that is not answered here or elsewhere on the website, please click here to schedule a phone consultation or contact my assistant, Elaine.
Elaine's email address is: ruthelainegoldberg@gmail.com
Will you officiate a ceremony on a Friday evening?
Weddings on a Friday evening before the beginning of Shabbat will be considered on a case by case basis. Please reach out to me.
Are you available to officiate weddings on Saturday evenings?
I am available at 6 p.m. or later on Saturday evenings. I, however, may have some flexibility. If there are extenuating circumstances, I will do my best to work with you while being faithful to my Shabbat rituals.
Do you officiate LGBTQ+ weddings?
Absolutely. I officiated the first same sex wedding at Rodef Shalom in Philadelphia as the junior rabbi. I also officiated the first same sex wedding at Rodef Shalom in Pittsburgh. I am committed to creating a welcoming space for you and your partner to express your love openly and authentically.
Do you officiate interfaith weddings?
Yes, I officiate ceremonies for all couples, provided we are a good fit, who want a Jewish ceremony no matter their religious affiliations or beliefs. I understand the importance of respecting both partners’ traditions by creating a meaningful ceremony that honors their unique beliefs and values. I work closely with both the Episcopal and Catholic dioceses in Pittsburgh and am happy to co-officiate your wedding with a religious leader of another faith.
Do you co-officiate with other clergy from other denominations?
Yes. I have relationships with clergy in both Chicago and Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, I have long standing ties with both the Catholic and Episcopal churches. I am currently the Rabbi in Residence at Calvary Episcopal Church. Should you need an introduction to an Episcopal minister, I would be delighted to connect you with Father Jonathan Jensen at Calvary.
Although I am Jewish, I know very little about Judaism. I would really like to have a Jewish ceremony but don't know how to articulate what I want. I just want it to feel Jewish. Does that make sense?
It makes total sense. Your concern is far more common than you may imagine. Rest assured, I’ve got you! Whether you’re well-versed in Jewish traditions or just starting to explore your heritage, I’m here to help you create a wedding ceremony that reflects your unique personality and values. During our consultation, we’ll discuss your vision for your wedding ceremony and how we can incorporate Jewish traditions in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
If there are specific Jewish customs or rituals that you’re interested in including in your ceremony but with which you aren't familiar, I’m happy to explain them and guide you through the process. My goal is to help you create a wedding ceremony that’s true to who you are as a couple and celebrates your love for each other no matter how little or how much you know about Judaism.
I am Jewish but my partner is not. Or my partner is Jewish but I am not. Will you officiate our wedding?
Yes. I'd be honored to officiate your ceremony. I want you to have the wedding you want to have, not the wedding I want you to have.
What are your fees?
Please visit this page for my fee schedule, policies and what you can expect.
Could you please explain the booking process?
After thoroughly reading my website, including my fee schedule, it is most typical that couples book a phone consultation so we can get to know each other. The fee for this consultation is $100 and is applied to the overall cost of the wedding booking should you choose to me as your wedding officiant. This phone call serves as an opportunity for me to describe my approach as a wedding officiant and for wedding couples to describe their wedding vision. For the ceremony to be most authentic and meaningful, it is important that both the wedding couple and I feel that we are well matched. The consultation appointment and payment for the consultation are directly through this website at the link below. Kindly note that the consultation fee is non-refundable.
To book a consultation, please click here.
After the consultation, additional contact is at your discretion. At no time will there be any pressure to book your wedding ceremony with me. If you decide to book me as your wedding officiant, you will email me directly at an email address I'll provide during the consultation. I'll send you an electronic contract for you and your partner to sign and provide payment options. For wedding bookings, I accept Zelle, Venmo, Paypal and personal check. Once the contract and payment have been received, I'll send you a link where you will be able to book the first of three wedding planning meetings. These meetings can be in person if you're in Chicago or Pittsburgh. If you are located outside of Pittsburgh or Chicago, these meeting will take place via Zoom.
If we are already personally acquainted or are ready to secure the date without a phone consultation, please be in touch with my assistant, Elaine. She will send the contract, provide payment addresses, and put you in touch me so we can begin the exciting process of planning your wedding ceremony
Elaine's email address is: ruthelainegoldberg@gmail.com
I have done my absolute best to make the booking and collaboration processes as simple and easy as possible. I prioritize clear communication and honesty. You will receive straightforward information about my services, fees, and any additional elements you might desire. As a reform rabbi, I am dedicated to upholding ethical values in every aspect of our partnership. Most importantly, your union will be celebrated with respect for Jewish values, for diversity, inclusion, and the sanctity of marriage.