Cool Rabbi

This Sunday I was the, “Wedding Official,” at my comedy partner, Jonny Goldstein’s wedding. I got to say things like:

The Opening Blessing
May the source of life sustain in you life.
May all that is noble and true in the universe inspire your lives together and bring peace to all humankind.

And…
Explanation of the Huppah
Surrounded by loved ones whose joy and prayers are with you, you stand at this huppah, a symbol of your new home. Its four sides are open, symbolizing the importance of community and of participation in each other’s lives. Friends and family fill the home. May your home be a shelter against the storms, a haven of peace, a stronghold of faith and love.

But Best of All….
Baruch atah adonai elo-hay-nu melech haw-olam boray pree haw-gaw-fen


I’ve never been in charge of officiating a wedding ceremony before, and I have to say I highly recommend it. It was a big honor. There was much speculation as to my background as the young, cool, hip Rabbi. Who was this tall red headed rabbi? I’m no rabbi. Jonny and his wife were married in city hall the Friday before. I was just in charge of the beautiful ceremonial part. I shouted out the blessings and directions under a bright red patch-work quilted huppah in Central Park. We agreed we wanted everyone to hear, and there are no mikes and amps allowed for ceremonies in the park.

Jonny made a point of mentioning at the Erzsi and Jonny Show the week before that his wedding ceremony would be my first paid gig. Of course at that point in the show, someone then walked up to me and handed me two bucks. So, now I’ve been paid for two gigs.

All of the 85 year and plus grandparents made a point of asking me if I am a Rabbi, and congratulating me on my first Jewish wedding. They liked my dress too. I am raised Lutheran, but hey – I also grew up in Great Neck. So I explained my seeming Jew-y-ness in that regard.

Funny to think, I was an avid churchgoer, growing up. I was the head Acolyte (the troupe of teen aged kiddies who light the candles on that big stage-like alter, and lead the processional in…) and I was in charge of the nursery school for a while. Crazy times. I often found myself carrying the gigantic cross up in front of the processional. On one occasion I didn’t secure it and it fell down that in the middle of the ceremony. That was a great day. I laughed a lot in church. We had a young, hip pastor.

I’m a spiritual person (aren’t we all?) but the patriarchal nature of the story of God is a bit hard to take for me nowadays. More so, I find the emotional dynamic in Church tough to swallow. It is supposed to be so joyous, but no one is laughing. I’m rather pleased sticking to live comedy as far as my spiritual evolution goes these days. Let’s hear it for a good crack on the wit whip for emotional truth. Good times.