Rabbi David Benjamin
Reform Rabbi in Israel
A little about me
Rabbi of the Brit Olam Community – Israeli Reform Judaism, Kiryat Ono
Member of MARAM – Reform Rabbinical Council in Israel and CCAR – Central Conference of American Rabbis
Associate member of SAAPR – South African Association of Progressive Rabbis
Rabbinical Ordination from Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem
Baritone singer
Advocate and Lieutenant Colonel (IDF Res.)
Dear Rabbi David, We wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, even if it comes a little late. In the complex period that we are all going through, things have been postponed a bit, but it was very important for us to stop and tell you how much we appreciate and cherish you. From the first moment we felt your warmth, sensitivity and care. The way you led the ceremony was simply special – exciting, pleasant and full of meaning. You were able to touch us and everyone who was there, and make this moment something we will always remember. You were attentive to us, precise in your words, and gave us a real feeling that we were in good hands. This is not taken for granted, and we are so happy that we chose you to accompany us at our most important moment. Thank you so much for who you are and for what you brought with you to our 🤍 chuppah With great love,
My story in a nutshell
I was born and raised in South Africa. I absorbed the Rabbinical profession from my father, the late Rabbi Myer Benjamin, who was the Rabbi of a large Reform community in Cape Town. While he was alive, he had no idea (neither did I) that I would follow in his footsteps. I immigrated to Israel aged 23 with a law degree and enlisted in the IDF. After about 20 years of service in the Military Advocate General’s Corps, I started an independent legal practice in the field of international law. At the same time, I enrolled in Rabbinical studies and in 2018 I was ordained as a Rabbi by the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem. Since then, I have served as the Rabbi of the Brit Olam Community, the Reform community of the Ono Valley region.
Here in Israel, I met my wife, Nancy (ex Argentina). We got married in a Reform ceremony (of course) and we have three grown-up children. We live in Modi’in.
From a young age I’ve been singing, both as a soloist and in choirs. I studied voice development. Since Bar Mitzvah age, I’ve been a cantorial soloist in various synagogues.
I see my activity as a Rabbi as an essential mission, on the understanding that the Jewish State needs Judaism that adapts itself to the changing times.
The Jewish Marriage Ceremony
I have been granted the great privilege as a Rabbi to perform wedding ceremonies for Jewish couples from Israel and from overseas.
My guiding principles for wedding ceremonies:
Traditional – Egalitarian ceremony
I perform a traditional Jewish ceremony that treats the bride and groom as equals
Music
The ceremony incorporates singing at a professional level
The ceremony is tailored for the couple
Each ceremony is one of a kind and expresses the uniqueness of the couple
Personal Connection
We’ll spend time before the ceremony getting well acquainted
Meaningful and meticulous preparation
In two preparatory meetings we’ll discuss all the stages of the ceremony and its significance as well as plan it in detail
A beautiful and dignified ceremony
Easygoing with humor
Short and to the point
FAQ’s
1. Who is a Reform wedding suitable for?
A Reform wedding is suitable for those who hold Jewish tradition dear while believing in equality between the spouses and want an authentic Jewish ceremony conducted by an ordained Rabbi.
2. Why marry with a Reform rabbi?
Reform Rabbis represent the world’s largest Jewish denomination. They are educated, not only in Judaism but in general. Beyond their Rabbinical training, they all hold Masters’ degrees and above. On the way to ordination they must pass personality tests in addition to academic and practical tests. Reform Rabbis are spiritual leaders but also professionals.
3. How do you know that the officiant is an ordained Reform rabbi?
Ordained Reform Rabbis hold certificates from recognized Rabbinical training institutions such as the Hebrew Union College, which is the largest and oldest Rabbinical training institution in the world. In addition, the vast majority of Reform Rabbis are members of Rabbinical organizations such as MARAM – the Reform Rabbinical Council in Israel and CCAR – Central Conference of American Rabbis.
4. What is Reform Judaism?
Reform Judaism is the largest denomination in world Jewry. Its approach is that Judaism must adapt to the changing times. This is reflected clearly in the absence of discrimination between the sexes, as accepted today by the entire enlightened world.
5. Is Reform marriage recognized by the State of Israel?
If you were married by a Reform Rabbi abroad and the marriage is recognized by the country in which the ceremony took place, then the State of Israel will recognize this marriage and you will be entitled to be registered as a married couple at the Ministry of Interior. Absurdly, if you are married by a Reform Rabbi in the State of Israel, this marriage will not be recognized by the State. However, you can live as a “common-law couple” (“common-law spouses” are a couple who are not formally married, but have a relationship similar to a married couple) and the relevant institutions in Israel will treat you as if you were a registered married couple in most matters. Couples who are married by an ordained Reform Rabbi in Israel are eligible to receive certificates attesting to their marriage ceremony and their status as a couple, from the Reform Movement in Israel. These certificates help prove that you are indeed a “common-law couple”. In any case, a couple wanting a Reform ceremony and who attach importance to registration with the Ministry of Interior, and who are not interested in getting married through the Israeli Orthodox Rabbinate, can always get married formally in a foreign country.
6. How is the equality between the spouses expressed in the Reform wedding ceremony?
At a minimum, the equality of the spouses is manifested in the use of an egalitarian ketubah (marriage contract) and in the fact that the couple give rings to each other. One can discuss with the Rabbi further ways to express the equality of the relationship in the ceremony.
7. Can I add personal touches to the ceremony, such as greetings, songs, etc.?
Absolutely, yes. It’s just important to be aware of the ceremony’s duration. One doesn’t want to wear down the wedding guests.
8. What about differences in customs between Ashkenazim and Sephardim/Mizrahim?
Reform Judaism embraces Jews of all traditions and backgrounds . If you want to include special customs of a particular community in the ceremony, just ask the Rabbi.
9. We will have English speakers among our guests . Can the ceremony be conducted with English translation?
Absolutely, yes. Rabbi David Benjamin speaks English at mother tongue level.
10. How much will the ceremony cost?
To find out how much the ceremony will cost you, please contact us at +972-(0)54-9921541. Additional VAT and travel expenses must be taken into account if the ceremony takes place in a location far from the Rabbi’s residence in Modi’in. You will receive an invoice and a receipt in accordance with the law.
Get in Touch
Interested in getting to know the Rabbi, checking availability, or getting details
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