1.Pick a date and choose your venue (these will need to go hand in hand based on availability)

• Make sure to check Hebrew date (be sensitive to days like Yom HaShoa, the omer, etc - see https://www.hebcal.com)

2.Lock it in Rabbi Benji’s schedule

• Email hello@rabbibenji.com with your details, proposed date and location, to set a meeting time (this can be in person or on zoom)

3.Open a file with Tzohar 

• If you speak fluent hebrew fill out the forms on this website: https://www.tzohar.org.il/?page_id=118#

• If you don’t speak fluent hebrew, email nissuin@tzohar.org.il with your names and phone numbers, and a file manager from tzohar will be in touch within a few days (they will send you a form, update you on required documentation and schedule a meeting)
  N.B. The questions in the form appear in Hebrew but you can answer in English if it will be easier for you and Rabbi Benji’s team is happy to assist with this process. 

• The costs are: 730 NIS - a payment that goes to the rabbinate in order to open a marriage file (if one of you is an new immigrant within up to two years or a student under the age of 31 you will get a 40% discount) and 180 NIS to Tzohar

• You can get ready for next steps of registration by gathering:

  • Passports if not Israeli. If Israeli, Teudat Zeut + Sefach (including copies of both sides)

  • Birth certificates

  • Ketuba of both sides of parents, their civil marriage certificates (if outside of Israel) and the name of the Rabbi who married them 

• Continue to liaise with and complete all necessary steps to receive your Ketuba

• If you would like a decorated Ketuba this should be done in coordination with Tzohar to ensure it is done correctly and checked at least two weeks before

4.Find a bride teacher

• If you would like to learn with Renana, please advise in an email to hello@rabbibenji.com. If you would like another teacher, make sure she is registered. Please notify Rabbi Benji and if you would like someone new and different, Tzohar can also connect you with one

5.Couples classes and preparation

• If you would like to do couples classes with Renana, please advise as well. If you would like someone else we can recommend

6.Decide if you want to use a planner - select and book (also an option to have an on the day planner). Select and book vendors (depending on involvement of planner) - examples include: 

• Band

• Photographer

• Videographer

• Florist 

• Catering (in Israel this usually comes with the hall but if you would like separate from the venue)

• Hair and Makeup 

• Transportation (optional to offer guests “hasaot” to and from the venue - especially if overseas visitors) 

• Other stuff like magnets

7.Guest list 

• Make a preliminary guest list for save the dates (optional)

• Finalise for invitations

8. Make and send invitations

• There are multiple online platforms available (E.G. Paperless Post, Green Envelope) or you can approach a professional

• Can also make a gift registry and include details in the invitation 

9.Make a schedule for the day (should be done with planner)

• Advise all the honors you would like to give out to Rabbi Benji (see list below) and he will share a schedule for the chupa and related components

• Need to coordinate with hair and makeup artists, photographer, musicians, venue 

10.Seating arrangements

11. Ensure you have a wedding ring that is halachically acceptable (a pure material such as gold/ silver/ platinum, no inscriptions or gems, purchased by the groom, etc.)

12. Discuss with the bride teacher and book a time for the Mikvah for the bride

13. Confirm all vendors and times (or that the planner has)

14. After the wedding, make a copy of all final documents for your file, email to Rabbi Benji and return them to Tzohar so it is legally filed