Name Change in California just got easier!

When you get married in California now, you can elect to change
your middle or last names to what you want to be known as
after your legal wedding ceremony. The Name Equality Act
went into effect on 01/01/2009.

What does the new law mean?
The Name Equality Act allows one party or both parties to a marriage,
through the marriage license process, to elect to change the middle or
last names by which that party wishes to be known after solemnization
of the marriage. A certified copy of a marriage certificate containing the
new name, or retaining the former name, shall constitute proof that the
use of the new name or retention of the former name is lawful. The new
law also specifies that a certified copy of the marriage certificate shall be
accepted as identification establishing a true, full name for purposes of
obtaining a California driver’s license.

White House Seder hosted by Pres. Obama

Washington - President Obama hosts a traditional Seder dinner in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House on Thursday night, April 9, 2009. Some friends and White House employees and their families joined the Obama family. White House aides said they believe it was the first president-hosted Seder at the White House.  read more on Huffington Post
Official White House photo by Pete Souza. 

Hindu- Jewish Wedding

Wedding customs in India date back thousands of years to the writings of the Vedas, Hindu sacred texts. The rituals in Indian family weddings are complex and elaborate. Although there is evidence of some changes occurring in modern times, many of the old customs still prevail today.

The Indian wedding as it has evolved to this day is a marriage between two families rather than of two individuals. This is a major difference between Western Christian traditions, which emphasize the cohabitation of two individual joining together as a new separate family unit.

Chuppah Wedding Canopy Rentals in SF Bay Area

Book your chuppah rental by April 30 and recieve $25 off. [Exclusive to local San Francisco Bay Area]

A natural look for both traditional and non-traditional weddings.


A traditional Jewish marriage takes place 'under the chuppah', a wedding canopy. It represents the first home that the newly married couple is creating. It is open on all sides to recall the tent of the biblical Abraham, a symbol of hospitality. Abraham and Sarah had doors on all four sides of their dwelling so that visitors would all know that they were welcome. Read our previous blog post on the details of our chuppah collection.

Chuppah Rental Description:

Sacred Events now offers chuppah rentals to the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding Wine Country. Several styles to choose from Traditional to Contemporary. All natural bamboo and birch poles. Guaranteed to withstand wind gusts. Personal customer service, attention to details. We can work with your florist.

Rental Procedures

Handheld Rental: $150. [125. with code: JIWNBCH430]
Freestanding Rental: $250. [225. with code: JIWNBCHFS430]
Deposit: $150
Reservations suggested at least two months in advance.

Available for pick-up
Deliveries available with extra charge

Conveniently located in Lake Merritt area of Oakland,

minutes from Interstate 580.
Out of area rentals: Call for quote. 415-225-9721

CONTACT:

Email info@asacredevent.com for further information.
Include code in your email: JIWNBCH430

Sacred Events Launches New Site

Sacred Events launches it full service wedding, special occasion planning and design website. We are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving Jewish, interfaith, GLBT and multi-cultural communities. We use our ritual design principles to craft a memorable and customized event. We our mindful of the impact that your event has on the community and the environment. We advise you on traditional ritual practices with a contemporary flair.

Ask An Interfaith Rabbi: Wedding Challah for the Ceremony?

Do we need to have a challah at our ceremony?



Wedding Challah [a large braided loaf of egg-rich bread] is a tradition at the reception of Jewish Weddings. Prior to the meal being served, there is a wine and challah blessing. It is not a requirement, but if you have practicing Jews at the reception, they might miss it.

It is customary to ask your rabbi to lead the brachot [prayers] for this. If you are fortunate enough to have grandparents at your wedding, asking them to lead the blessings [provided they are familiar with the ritual], it is a great way to involve them in your wedding. We have found that many of the grandparents asked take great joy and honor to be included in this way. If you do not have any grandparents to ask, ask your parents.

Wedding challah is a large bread that can feed everyone. Some couples choose small one that is eaten by the head table. In Oakland area, Grand Bakery [3264 Grand Ave Oakland , CA 94610 510-465-1110 ] makes kosher challah. If your event is not kosher, Russian bakeries make good challah, not necessarily kosher.

You can place the wine, kiddush cup, challah and knife on a moving cart to be wheeled out to dining area. After the prayer, wheeled back off to the side.

Want to try your hand at baking one of these braided goodies? The Budding Baker has posted her favorite challah recipe and it just happens to be a family tradition.

Sacred Events launches Gay Jewish Weddings