Weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Etz Hayyim has hosted a number of weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs over the years. These weddings at the synagogue always follow a valid secular wedding beforehand; the betrothal act and the reading of a ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) is then performed by one of our Visiting Rabbis in the synagogue. For each wedding, the recitation of the Seven Blessings over the bride and groom is usually performed by seven close friends of the betrothed couple under the chuppah (a canopy under which a Jewish couple stand during the wedding ceremony). At Etz Hayyim, we have revived the ancient Judaeo-Greek custom of having the bride and groom wear crowns made of flowers and because the synagogue is located near the sea, it is usually customary for bride to go swimming, rather than to use our Mikveh prior to the wedding.
For couples interested in hosting their wedding at Etz Hayyim, or for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, please contact the synagogue directly for any inquiries. We can also advise on the legal requirements for getting married in Greece, as well as wedding planning.
