Can a Jewish Wedding Ceremony Feel Spiritual Even If We’re Not Religious?

By Cantor Ben – Jewish Wedding Officiant in Toronto

Mark and Melissa are both Jewish. They grew up in Jewish homes, attended Hebrew school, and knew they wanted to have a Jewish wedding. But if you asked them if they were religious, they would both laugh and say something like, “Well, we’re Jewish, but not… like that.”

They are part of a growing number of couples in Toronto who feel deeply connected to Jewish culture, values, family, and history — but not necessarily drawn to synagogue life, weekly rituals, or traditional prayer.

So when they got engaged and started planning their wedding, they wondered — can a Jewish wedding ceremony still feel spiritual and meaningful if we are not “religious” in the traditional sense?

The answer is absolutely yes.

And that is exactly what I helped them create.

A Jewish Wedding Ceremony That Feels Like You

I am not a Rabbi. I am a Cantor who was mentored by one of the great Jewish wedding Rabbis in Toronto. I am also fully licensed by the Province of Ontario to perform legal civil and Jewish weddings. But I only marry Jewish couples — couples where both individuals are Jewish and committed to building a Jewish home.

I do not perform interfaith weddings. That is an important line for me, and for many families who want to stay true to Jewish tradition. But that does not mean your wedding has to feel overly formal or rigid.

A Jewish wedding ceremony can be spiritual, soulful, and deeply moving — even if you do not consider yourself religious.

Mark and Melissa’s Ceremony Under the Chuppah

We met over coffee at a quiet spot near St. Clair West. I asked them what they hoped their wedding day would feel like. They said words like joy, connection, tradition, and real.

They had been to weddings that felt like theater. Over-rehearsed. Cold. Impersonal.

They wanted something that felt alive. Something with heart.

So we designed a ceremony that honored their Jewish roots, while reflecting who they are today.

• We used the Jewish wedding chuppah as a symbol of the home they would build — open on all sides, filled with kindness, and rooted in love

• Their Jewish wedding Ketubah was custom-designed with the mountains where they got engaged

• Instead of formal speeches, we included personal blessings and joyful singing with Jewish wedding music that brought people to tears

We did all the Jewish wedding rituals — circling, wine, Sheva Brachot, breaking the glass — but explained them in a way that every guest could understand and connect with

It was a moment where tradition met authenticity, and everyone felt it

What Makes a Wedding Spiritual?

A spiritual wedding is not about how many prayers are recited, is about how present everyone feels

The most meaningful Jewish wedding traditions have deep symbolism that speaks to love, unity, and hope for the future.

The Jewish wedding vows, the Ketubah signing, the Hora, even the glass-breaking — these are ancient practices that still carry power today, especially when guided with care

As a Jewish wedding officiant, I do not just recite words

I tell your story

I guide the room through the meaning behind each moment

I bring soul and joy without pressure or performance

Toronto Couples Want Meaning — Not Formality

Today’s couples are looking for more than just ceremonyThey want experienceThey want connectionThey want to honor tradition without feeling boxed in

That is what I offer at every wedding I officiate in Toronto and beyond

Whether you are planning a large celebration or a small ceremony with close family, I bring heart, clarity, and genuine joy to your day

From Jewish wedding planning to music selection to venue coordination, I support you the whole way

More Than Weddings: Celebrating Jewish Life Moments

Many of the couples I marry later invite me to officiate their Jewish newborn ceremonies

It is one of the most special parts of what I do

I offer meaningful, customized baby naming ceremonies that honor heritage, Hebrew names, and family stories

Some families even use my Learn to Read Hebrew course for their children — a simple, joyful program where kids learn to read in just two to three months and gain the confidence to light Hanukkah candles or recite Ma Nishtana at Passover

These moments become building blocks of Jewish pride and identity

Why Choosing the Right Jewish Wedding Officiant Matters

There are many people who can legally marry you But very few can guide you into Jewish married life with both heart and tradition

As your Jewish wedding Cantor, I bring:

• A deep understanding of Jewish wedding customs and traditions

• A modern, warm, and inclusive approach to spirituality

• Full legal authority in Ontario to marry you under both civil and Jewish law

• A heartfelt promise to only marry Jewish couples, rooted in shared tradition

Your wedding is not a performance

It is a sacred moment

Let’s make it unforgettable

Ready to Begin?

If you are planning a Jewish wedding in Toronto and want a ceremony that feels meaningful, soulful, and true to who you are, let’s talk

Whether you are drawn to traditional Jewish weddings, modern Jewish weddings, or something in between, I will help you craft a ceremony that honors your roots and celebrates your love

Reach out today to learn more about my Jewish wedding services

And if you are already thinking about your growing family, ask about my Jewish baby naming services and Learn to Read Hebrew programs

Mazel Tov — your journey is just beginning