“Raise a shout to God, serve God with gladness.” — Psalm 100
Jewish history has more than its share of sad events, and not every Jewish occasion is a happy one. But part of Judaism’s ability to survive since ancient times is its capacity for joy and celebration. Ellen’s warm, friendly presence and beautiful voice amplify the joyousness of happy occasions and bring comfort to the ailing and to the mourner. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ from a happy “bride” in New Jersey: Thanks for the amazing ceremony you performed for our renewal of vows. You were more like our special guest and family member at our party, and we wouldn't have changed a thing! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ellen is available to officiate at these events and provide these services for Jews who are not affiliated with a synagogue:
weddings, including same-sex ceremonies
renewal of marriage vows
bar and bat mitzvah for children and adults
baby namings
funerals and memorial services
visiting the sick in hospital or at home
conversion to Judaism
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ from a bar mitzvah dad in Los Angeles: “We got nothing but accolades about the service, and it was a very special, meaningful and unforgettable day for all of us. You have a gorgeous voice that really enhanced the ceremony.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal Jewish status (that is, whether a person is “officially” Jewish by Jewish law) isn’t as important to Ellen as a person’s identity as a Jew. She’s happy to officiate at weddings in which one partner is not Jewish if the couple is committed to making a Jewish home and, if relevant, rearing children as Jews, and she recognizes as Jews children of a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother who were brought up Jewish or are being reared to identify as Jewish by religion.