Honeymoon In Belize At An Ambergris Caye Resort

A Honeymoon in Belize is becoming a popular option, and the hard part then is putting together a honeymoon package, after deciding where to stay. A good choice would be the Xanadu Island resort on Ambergris Caye.

A Honeymoon resort benefits from being small, and Xanadu Island resort has only eighteen rooms, right on the beachfront within ten minutes walk of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye

The kind of accommodation you might decide to take on your honeymoon package could well be Suite number two which is an oceanfront loft with views to die for. Get up early, about half past six, make a cup of coffee in the kitchen, go outside onto the deck, and watch the sunrise, and if you do this once, you’ll do it everyday.

Ambergris Caye is a real island getaway, and Xanadu Island resort even more so. It is hidden on a beach lined with palm trees, and what you see from your dawn and daily outlook is the turquoise Caribbean, and the white line of the reef.

The breakdown of the accommodations is a Studio, Loft, or 1,2,or3 bedrooms. Each suite is airconditioned, plus ceiling fans, cable Television, unlimited internet access, as if you’d want that on your Belize honeymoon!!

Added to that hairdryers, safe, beach towels, and not forgetting your own private deck which is shaded from the sun.

There is a long pier with a thatched shade at the end and a swimming platform, so you can snorkel over the hotel’s own man made reef. There is a lovely pool, and loads of hammocks and sunbeds around the pool and on the beach.

The complimentary bikes and kayaks allow you to explore Ambergris Caye, and the bicycles are especially useful to take you into San Pedro to the great restaurants there. If your honeymoon in Belize isn’t to be just relaxing at the Xanadu, but you wish to be more energetic, then why not try Scuba Diving, sailing, fishing or take a guided eco tour to the rainforest.. In addition tours to Mayan ruins can easily be arranged.

Whilst there is no restaurant at the resort, this won’t detract from your honeymoon vacation at all, after all who needs boring hotel restaurant food anyway. There are two local markets close by, so snack meals can easily be organised in the kitchen which is very well equipped.

Some suggestions for feeding yourself are George’s for breakfast, Casa Picasso for dinner, Crazy Canuck’s Bar on the beach, and Monkey Bites for breakfast or lunch

The management team at the Xanadu Island Resort go out of their way from even before you arrive for your honeymoon in Belize to ensure you have an enjoyable and stress free time. From the immaculately maintained property, well looked after rooms, nothing is left to chance, even ensuring flights and taxis are all there when you need them.

Xanadu Island Resort on Ambergris Caye could give you the perfect honeymoon in Belize, and research shows that most people who have gone there for their Belize Honeymoon would return.

For more information on a Honeymoon in Belize go to http://www.caribbean-vacationspots.com/categories/Belize/

by: Gordon Steven

Make Your Honeymoon Unforgettable

The honeymoon is a holiday trip taken by a newly married couple. It’s usually taken to celebrate marriage, and presumably, consummate it. The honeymoon is in fact the most romantic, calm and harmonious period of the marital relationship.

A honeymoon is very important phase in one’s life. It offers a newly married couple to understand each other physically as well as mentally.

The honeymoons are often celebrated in places that are secluded, exotic, warm, or otherwise considered special and romantic. The sunny beaches, scenic coastlines, and mountain retreats are considered perfect honeymoon settings.

The natural setting plays a great role in a honeymoon. The perfect romantic honeymoon vacation may make a honeymoon, a celestial experience. These are the things that should be planned carefully in advance. One should be very choosy about picking honeymoon vacations.

There are numerous beautiful honeymoon vacation spots in the world and there’s plethora of online sources offering honeymoon vacation, honeymoon package, honeymoon travel and honeymoon cruises.

But, it’s very tough to make right choice. What to do then?

About Author: The author presents you the website honeymoon vacations, a perfect guide to honeymoon vacation, offering the best info and tips on buying honeymoon vacation and honeymoon packages. To make your honeymoon an unforgettable experience, click: lovely honeymoon.

A prudent answer is that to go for the website lovely honeymoon. It’ll facilitate you to pick the best honeymoon vacations, honeymoon vacation packages, all inclusive honeymoon vacation, romantic honeymoon vacations and honeymoon vacation spots.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sardool_Sikandar

How To Planning Wedding Honeymoon – Thailand

When most people think of , what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to than just the basics.

Inspiring temples from ancient kingdoms, tiny tranquil villages along the Mekong river and impossibly green limestone islands nestled along the Andaman Sea, makes this a vast cultural kaleidoscope.

It’s hardly surprising that Thailand, meaning ‘land of the free’, has long been a honeymoon paradise, allowing sweethearts to cast off the shackles of everyday life and immerse themselves deep into its liberating and relaxed way of life. There is an abundant choice of exotic activities on offer. Whether you want to languish on a glittering beach or ride a wild animal on an exotic elephant safari – peace and adventure go hand in hand here. Remote spas and hideaways dotted around the verdant island will seduce you with their tranquil intimacy, while the vibrant streets of Bangkok beckon you to experience a whole new world at your feet.

And if the idea of unspoilt beaches and fresh tropical cocktails at sunset still doesn’t sway your man, casually mention that Leo Bay was where James Bond’s The Man With The Golden Gun was filmed. No doubt he can live out his 007 fantasies on Khao Phing Kan, the same sandy stretch that saw Roger Moore and Christopher Lee battle it out! Get in the sea and do your best Ursula Andress while he’s at it.

Blessed with a balmy climate that settles for 35 degrees centigrade at its hottest, it is widely recommended that if your wedding is in April or October, to postpone it by a few weeks – since these are the two worst months to visit, particularly the capital. April is the peak of a roasting summer, while October brings miserable floods – making the south a more pleasing option.

Thailand’s beautiful bounty is vast enough to combine a beach and city holiday, so even if you do fly into Bangkok, you can just as easily travel down to the South to soak in the sun.

BANGKOK
Bangkok, or City of Angels differs from its American counterpart in that while the latter boasts guns, sex and plastic surgery, the former is still steeped in rich Thai cultural charm, offering delectable food, breath-taking temples and shopping heaven. Resisting the usual coldness that most cities possess, it is a far cry from the advanced urban development of neighbouring countries like Singapore, with Bangkok natives exuding friendliness. A city of contrasts, Bangkok breathes mystery on the east side of the Chao Phraya River, with polished temple spires nestling against glittering glass and steel buildings rising up from the seething mass. Delicate wreaths of jasmine flowers the buses and taxis. Orange-robed monks potter along the street beneath a giant Sony screen blasting western pop videos. Home to the most stunning temples in the world, it is worth visiting a few to get away from the disquiet of Bangkok’s streets for a moment of quiet reflection.

Khao San Rd in Banglamphu is the traditional haven for the budget traveller, but the Sukhumvit Rd area has a better selection of mid-range hotels. Banglamphu and neighbouring Thewet are the best spots for budget eating, and if you want to go for a city stroll and experience day-to-day Bangkok, head for Chinatown and Pahurat, the busy Chinese and Indian market districts.

Chinatown
A Chinese-Thai residential area since 1782, it’s hard to believe that this district used to house 245 opium dens and a huge number of pawn shops, gambling houses and brothels. Today Chinatown is one of the most charismatic districts in Bangkok, with intricate alleyways, bright markets and mouth-watering food stalls.

Pahurat
A bargain shopper’s paradise lined with a stunning array of Indian silks and Thai shoulder bags. Head down little alleys and you’ll find a thriving culture that might ordinarily pass you by.

THINGS TO DO:
Grand Palace: A testament to architectural wizardry, housing the famous Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Go early in the morning to avoid the major crowds and do not wear sandals or skirts.

Snake Farm
Even if snakes make you queasy, this is definitely worth a visit – the sheer volume of information is astounding. Officially called the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, the snake farm is one of the largest producers of anti-venom serum in Asia.

Crocodile Farm
Whatever you’ve seen in Lake Placid or Crocodile Dundee is child’s play compared to this enormous place with over 60,000 fresh and seawater crocodiles to see. For extra garnish you can buy chicken to throw to the crocs, and they also have a show every hour, in which an insane guy puts his head inside the croc’s mouth.

Floating Market:
80 km from Bangkok, this market is famous for selling fresh produce and fine trinkets. You will also be able to travel around in a boat and have a taster of Thai village life.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole story from informed sources.

Temple of Dawn:
Situated on the other side of the Chao Phraya river, the sight of the 79-metre-high porcelain encrusted pagoda sparkling in the sun is truly something to behold.

Wat Trai Mit:
Built in the Sukhothai period, this temple houses an awe-inspiring solid gold Buddha which weighs five and a half tonnes and is three metres in height.

BEACHES
Crystal clear waves lapping the shores of white beaches are standard wherever you look in Thailand. Phuket, called the Pearl of the Ocean, is particularly unmissable. If you want to do more than just sunbathe, pay a visit to Ko Phi Phi, the stunning island where Leonardo Di Caprio’s The Beach was filmed. Pattaya is a gorgeous beach resort tucked away on the south-east coast of Thailand, a stone’s throw away from Bangkok, while Koh Pha-Ngan is famous for revellers throwing their arms in the air in the throes of its legendary full moon parties.

Phuket
For a beach hotspot, Phuket is 70 per cent mountainous, yet this precious jewel is Thailand’s largest island in the Andaman Sea, boasting a rich and wealthy history. Although the warm and humid island is Thailand’s main tourist attraction, it has the luxury of harbouring secluded and unspoilt beaches for those wanting a romantic getaway. Pamper yourself with fresh lobster everyday, be massaged to sleep in any of Phuket’s legendary spas and take a midnight swim by moonlight in its indigo pools, with the assurance that you’re going to love every minute of it. If you’re lucky enough, you may even get to take part in the celebration of Loi Krathong, a 700 year old festival to honour the water gods. Doorways and gates of temples and houses are decorated with banana trees, palms, and lit lanterns, while locals dress up in traditional Thai sarongs and tunics. There are more tourists in Phuket than on any other island, which hikes up the prices slightly, but by British standards is still cheap.

Koh Samui
Palm-fringed beaches punctuated by bursts of coconut plantations make Koh Samui overflow with charm and, while on its way to becoming too touristy, it still retains its old untouched-paradise charm. Tiny thatched bungalows pepper most of the beaches, but make sure you book in advance as accommodation is hard to secure in the high seasons between December and February, and from July to August. There are flights from Bangkok to the island’s Don Sak Airport. Several ferry and jetboat companies operate from Surat Thani: express boats take two and a half hours and jet boats take one and a half hours.

TRAVEL
Island-hopping isn’t just a past-time of hippies and backpackers, nor does it mean you have to endure horrible conditions simply because you choose to explore Thailand outside your hotel door. One of the perfect ways to bond with each other in the first weeks of marriage is to experience new things together and create a rich tapestry of memories. Be adventurous – just because you’ve booked a flight to Phuket doesn’t mean you can’t jet to Bangkok for a few days. Travelling within Thailand isn’t half as daunting as you may think. http://www.phuket-cannacia.com
About The Author: Wirat M. is the webmaster of the phuket hotel andaman cannacia resort website www.phuket-cannacia.com – providing information Andaman Cannacia Resort Hotel Phuket Thailand

A Beach Honeymoon

A Beach Honeymoon

The beach is probably the best place to spend your honeymoon. With best beaches offering world-class services, beach honeymoon can be the most ideal setting of your first days as couple.

Now, here are the things you can get on a beach honeymoon:

White sands, long coastlines, and velvet beach – These are the primary reasons why you and you wife (husband) want to spend your honeymoon at the beach. An afternoon walk at barefooted on endless white sands and the spectacular site of the sun vanishing across the horizon keep many couple attracted on a beach honeymoon. The endless beach with crystal-clear waters gives you reason to stay.

World-class hotels and resorts, and accommodation – Whether you choose to go to Hawaii, Fiji, Miami, or one of the countries in the Caribbean or South America, you can get to stay at world-class hotel with lots and lots of pampering and superb services. One good thing about beach honeymoon is that, you will never have any problem with accommodation since many beach destinations are packed with at least one of the best hotels and resorts in the world. Hawaii for example has the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The Caribbean has The Palms – Turks & Caicos. Plus, other beaches have private islands where you can stay one a villa for an ultimate private experience.

With world-class hotels come the world-class accommodations. Hotels and resort feature unique amenities. These may include, private pool, luxurious suites, spa and fitness centers, personalized services, breakfast in bed, romantic dinner, and the best view of the sea at the balcony of the hotel room.

Great food – Since you are at the beach, you can expect that you get the freshest fishes. That is not all. There are lots of gourmet restaurants available inside a beach hotels, resorts, and local diners.

Water sports – If love windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, kneeboadring, jetskiing, sailing, parasailing, and everything that involves open water and wetsuits, only the beach experience could give you those. With beach honeymoon, you have the options to do some or all of these activities.

Underwater activities – if you spend your honeymoon at one of the top beaches in the world, you are assured that you can witness the underwater world larger than life. Most top-beaches have diving sites. You can either go for snorkeling or take one some scuba for dive.

Source:  Low Jeremy

How To Please Everyone’s Musical Tastes At Your Wedding Reception

How To Please Everyone’s Musical Tastes At Your Wedding Reception

by: Mike Staff

It’s true . . . from flower girls to grandparents, each person at your wedding reception thinks that his or her favorite music is the coolest and everyone will like it. As the Bride and Groom, you already know which songs you MUST hear at your party – and you know some songs you definitely DON’T want to endure. But how do you please everyone?

Play a little of everything

Pick any type of music — Motown, country, rock, swing, big band, jazz or hip-hop. An experienced wedding DJ can immediately pick the most popular songs in each category and will select tunes that turn passive listeners into active party participants. From shaking in their seats to dipping on the dance floor, your guests will connect with songs you’ve planned and tunes your DJ instinctively chooses. A little Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett here, a little Justin Timberlake or Prince there… a variety of music, presented in exciting ways by your DJ, will be appreciated by your guests. While a rookie DJ might play song after song in one genre, an experienced professional will sprinkle in a little of everything, and mix it up as needed to keep your party cooking and the dance floor RED HOT.

Play guest requests

When a DJ plays song requests, your party hits the bulls-eye for those individuals who ask for and hear their favorite tunes. The jolt of a new mood or tempo catches other guest’s attention. As guests notice that requests are played, they make their own requests, leading to more bulls-eyes as their requests are honored. Soon, your party hits the target for everyone, because you allowed your DJ to make someone happy for one song.

When inappropriate songs are requested, experienced DJs know to respond with honest assessments of the music’s contribution to the current mood. A great DJ will offer appropriate song suggestions in the same genre, with the same energy level as the requested music.

Hire a fantastic DJ; then trust him.

An experienced DJ will create a strategic music plan, using your play lists, your reception format, and his experience as an entertainment professional. Great DJs can read the crowd and anticipate events before they happen. The best advice for the Bride and Groom is: relax! Be flexible and allow the party to unfold at its own pace. You’ll have a wedding bash that will leave you and your guests all breathless.

About the Author

Mike Staff is the owner of Mike Staff Productions (http://www.mikestaff.com), an award winning Wedding DJ, Entertainment and Videography Company located in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan. Mike is also a well known Detroit radio personality, having spent over 14 years on-the-air at one of Detroit’s most popular music stations, 101-FM WRIF. © Copyright 2007. Mike Staff Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

Top Ten Tips for Choosing a Wedding Tuxedo

Top Ten Tips for Choosing a Wedding Tuxedo

by: Janine Giorgenti

You have proposed marriage to the woman of your dreams. Her acceptance means that now, you must prepare for the big day! You will stand beside your bride in that “picture perfect moment,” a snapshot in time which will forever adorn your mantel. Choosing the perfect tuxedo and accessories is vital, thus making the task daunting. Here are some guidelines to make it easier for you to choose the perfect formal wear for your wedding.

1) “Get With” the Theme! And Don’t Forget the Bride!

Don’t look out of place at your own wedding! Weddings can have themes ranging from The Great Gatsby, to Art Deco, Renaissance, Nouveau… It’s your party and you’re the co-star. So, dress the part! Choose a tuxedo that complements your bride’s gown. For instance, if it’s a traditional wedding, dress in a classic tux. If it is a modern wedding or themed wedding, then dress according to the theme and style.

2) “Don’t Sweat It!”

Consider the climate and time of year. If you are getting married in the south in mid-summer, you should go with a lighter, more breathable fabric. If your theme is a beach wedding, opt for white instead of the traditional black tux. In the winter months, a traditional tux may do the trick.

3) Like “Night and Day.”

Are you planning an evening or daytime wedding? The general rule is that evening weddings or those after 6pm are considered more formal. Such a wedding calls for full dress, including tux, tuxedo shirt, cummerbund or vest, tie or bow tie, cufflinks and studs and tuxedo shoes.

Daytime weddings can be less formal. Although a tux is still appropriate, some couples opt for a dressy suit with tuxedo accessories.

4) It’s All About You!

Find your personal style and show some flair, whether it is the style of your tux shirt or the cufflinks and studs that you choose. A touch here and there can really make the look your own.

5) Don’t Be Late For Your Own Wedding!

Don’t procrastinate! This is not something you sit on until a couple of weeks before your wedding. Finding the right tuxedo takes time, as do fittings to make it look just right. Alterations can take a few weeks. If you’re having the tux custom made, allow 2 months.

6) It Just Ain’t Fitting!

Make sure it fits. There should be no pulling, puckering, sagging or drooping. The length should cover your socks when you are walking but not puddle on the floor when you are standing. A professional will be able to help you make the right choices and get a fit that will be both comfortable and flattering.

7) Ahhhhhh, This Feels Good!

Yes, you can be comfortable in a tuxedo, if it fits well and is made from a nice, high-quality fabric. When you figure in the photo sessions, the wedding ceremony and the reception, not to mention all that dancing, you will be wearing this tuxedo for quite a while.
When a Little “Bling” Will Do!

Tuxedo shirts require cufflinks and studs. Here is where you can flaunt your personal taste, by choosing from simple gold knots to gorgeous inlays. You don’t have to spend a fortune. Unless the set is under a jeweler’s loupe, costume cufflinks and studs will achieve the same look.

9) Who Wants “Pre-owned,” Anyway!

Consider buying rather than renting. A tuxedo is no more expensive than a good quality suit. You would never rent a suit, so why rent a tux? Plus, you don’t know who’s worn it before… yuck! The fit will look better and the fabric will feel great on a tuxedo that you buy or have made… Most importantly, you get to keep it.

10) You Are My Sunshine!

Polish and shine! Shoes finish off your look. Make sure they are clean and polished. Black patent leather is the standard. Don’t forget to break them in if they are new. The last thing you want to think about during this momentous occasion is how much your feet hurt.

So enjoy yourself and have the time of your life!

Copyright (c) 2008 Janine Giorgenti

Out of Orthodoxy – Why This Former Orthodox Rabbi Will Officiate at Interfaith Weddings

by: Rabbi David S. Gruber

Many might ask, even accuse, how can I, a rabbi, who once was Orthodox, who served an Orthodox congregation, and at the helm of Orthodox educational institutions, be willing, nay eager, to help interfaith couples and (co)officiate at their weddings?

Let me open with a family story. I remember a discussion my grandmother had with my great uncle in front of me. They had both moved from the East Coast to Portland, Oregon to be with their children and grandchildren. Neither was observant in the Orthodox sense of the word, but both had bought kosher meat back east. While my grandmother continued to buy kosher meat in Portland despite the higher price, my great uncle started buying non-kosher meat, once he moved out there. He explained that kosher meat was just too expensive. My grandmother sternly responded, that she continued to buy kosher meat, because, “that is how our parents brought us up!”

That logic never made sense to me. I bought kosher food, lived in the Eruv, sent my kids to a costly day school, and fulfilled all the other costly and taxing demands of Halacha, because I firmly believed that God had commanded me to do so. Even where tradition came into play, such as the standard derech hapsak (modus of halachic ruling) of the Rama[1], concepts of minhag yisrael din hu (the custom of Israel has the force of law), and the like, the implicit, if not explicit reasoning was that God wants you to do it this way, not that tradition in and of itself had some independent value aside from God’s will. My opposition at the time to intermarriage, as to any transgression of Jewish Law had nothing to do with tradition. As an Orthodox rabbi I did not, nor would I have dreamt of performing intermarriages, as it is against Halacha. Period. What mattered to me was the desire of the deity, not a tradition, in and of itself.

About a year and a half ago, this all changed. I had an epiphany of sorts, and it became clear to me that I could not remain Orthodox. I began a year and a half long journey of study and exploration, at the end of which I left the Orthodox world behind, and I now live my life as a Jewish secular humanist. I no longer buy kosher food, live in the Eruv, send my kids to a costly day school, or fulfill all the other costly and taxing demands of Halacha, because I firmly believe that no God has commanded me to do so. As my objection to officiating at intermarriages was part and parcel of my Halachic life, I see no reason not to do this now. Period. Now what guides my life are the ideals of humanism. What matters is how I can help my fellow human being, and how I can make the world a better place for humanity in general. That is of the most paramount importance, not the imagined desire of a deity[2].

I remember when I first met with Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn, over some kosher ribs at Irv’s Market in Kansas City[3]. He explained his philosophy of what he would and wouldn’t do through a story which was intended in good humor to cause even the most liberal Orthodox rabbi (me) to raise an eyebrow. Once he got the effect he wanted, he explained seriously that he has one criterion when he judges a potential act – will it further the cause of Judaism? I too have one criterion – will what I do help my fellow human beings, and will it further the cause of humanistic ideals? Treating a couple with kindness and compassion, as human beings, as individuals, which is the way they treated each other when they fell in love is the best way of fulfilling this. In fact, I can think of few things better than helping a couple make the most important day of their life even more wonderful, especially when so many rabbis will not do so without attaching numerous conditions[4].

Rabbi Adam Chalom[5] talks about the fact that all marriages are intermarriages. People marry multifaceted individuals; each one of us has many defining characteristics, with our religion being just one of them. In that sense even a marriage between two Ultra-Orthodox Jews is a mixed marriage, and a marriage between a Jew and a non-Jew, who are on the same “wave length” in many things could be less of a stretch, depending on the other characteristics of each individual. Amy Elkes[6] writes, “My boyfriend and I share many of the same beliefs and values. We both believe in acting with honesty and integrity. We both honor our families and believe that children are a couple’s greatest commitment. We love learning and traveling and exploring new places. When we face problems, no matter what kind, we turn to one another for comfort and support. In short we do not define ourselves solely by our religions, and as a result, we have a tremendous amount of common ground to stand on.” Each couple must ascertain if their “package” is one that will work. After, all a perfectly Halachic marriage between a Humanistic Jew and an Ultra Orthodox Jew would probably have a lesser chance of remaining intact, than one between a Humanistic Jew and a Humanistic Buddhist[7].

The interesting thing is that if we are, after all, to invoke tradition, we who see nothing wrong with interfaith marriage have quite a leg to stand on, and in a sense a better one than those who invoke tradition against it. After all, from the period where our ancestors, the Canaanites of the Central Highlands started to define themselves as Israelites and Judahites[8] to at least 450 B.C.E., beyond the standard xenophobia, so common to those times, not many thought there was really that much wrong with intermarriage. This was in part because they all worshipped many of the same gods, with a small group of priests in the 7th Century B.C.E. pushing monolatry[9] of one of those particular gods, Yahweh, and trying to foment a little bit more than the standard xenophobia with their intermarriage prohibitions. The latter openly lament, that they really didn’t make too much of a “splash” at the time in the general populace. That is why we see intermarriage exemplified by the legendary figures of Ruth[10], Ma’acha[11], Na’ama[12], Jezebel[13], Yeter[14], Uriah[15], and many more. Prof. Baruch Halpern[16] talks about the fact that in general this Yahweh Alone party rewrote history with the traditional Israelite practice condemned as foreign and against tradition, and the new practice of this new party elevated as the true Israelite tradition. This is just one more instance, where that is so true. By being open to interfaith marriage we invoke the ancient and true traditions of our Canaanite/Israelite ancestors. By leaving their xenophobia behind, we improve on these traditions.

I feel a personal connection to such an avenue of thinking regarding myself as one who will (co)officiate at interfaith marriages. The following is my personal conjecture, and I may be a little off, but certainly not anymore so than traditional Judaism’s version. There have been a number of fascinating studies regarding the evidence mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA markers give us regarding the development of the human race. One of the most fascinating of these studies is the study that implies that 70-80% of today’s male Kohanim (Aaronide or Zadokite priests) are in fact descended from a single common male ancestor who lived 2100-3500 years ago[17]. Now, the consensus of archeologists is quite clear that the Israelites and Judahites emerged from the Canaanites of the Central Highlands[18]. That means that that ancestor most probably came from within that milieu. If you read between the lines of the Bible, you can see that there is a certain probability that the story of the Aaronide priesthood really begins with the selection of two rival Cannanite priesthood lines by the rustic Judahite chieftain we know as David (who we now have evidence did in fact exist[19]) with the Zadokite line winning out. When I, a Kohen, stand before a couple and consecrate them in marriage, I see myself not only as an heir to the historical traditions of Judaism and the original Cannanite/Israelites, but also, by virtue of my DNA, as an heir to that ancient Cannanite priesthood, who may have officiated at many marriages of all sorts, without anyone thinking anything about it.

Some may say that officiating at interfaith marriages will decimate the Jewish people. Some, and I count my former self as guilty in this regard, even use abhorrent references to a “voluntary holocaust”, as if people wishing to marry those they love are analogous to those who murdered a third of our people. Again Chalom is poignant in his thinking in this matter. Why not look at this as enlarging the Jewish people? To Jewish theists of all stripes, there is a need to legally define who is Jewish and who is not, as they look at Jews through religious eyes. Who is a Jew, is as important a subject to the most liberal Reform rabbi, as it is to her Neturai Karta counterpart. To them, by virtue of some version of Halacha the children of the interfaith couple will be Jewish or won’t be Jewish, and this is a concern of the utmost importance. To me, Judaism is primarily an issue of culture, history, and an intellectual tradition, the positive and relevant aspects of which I embrace along with the traditions of the enlightenment. One can be a part of many different cultures. My children are three quarters Ashkenazic, and one quarter Sephardic. Did I do damage to Ashkenazi culture by not marrying a fully Ashkenazic woman? My cousin married a man from China. Did she do damage to her children by not marrying an American born man? Did he do damage to his children by not marrying a Chinese woman? Certainly, to their shame, many people, a generation or two ago would have answered to the affirmative. To the shame of Ultra Orthodox Judaism in Israel, they still answer to the affirmative today to my first question. Need we be so narrow minded? Can we not understand that there is something enriching and positive and wonderful about more people out there being heirs to a Jewish cultural, historical and intellectual tradition, combined with whatever additional identities they have? This should be seen as a blessing, not a problem.

Our Rabbis ask[20] what does God do ever since he finished with the heavy lifting of creation? They tell us that he does one thing – matchmaking. The idea of marriage, two separate people coming together to form one united entity, when you think about it, is really quite fantastic. In our modern culture with the high divorce rate, we see how incredibly difficult it can be to keep such a package intact. Those of us who are married know that you need to keep working at it day by day. If we are approached by a couple who deeply love each other, who have thought the issues of their compatibility through, and have decided that they would like nothing more than to spend their life together, blending their lives and their flesh into one, and they ask us to help them make this dream come true, dare we say no? I know I cannot, and I will not. I will not attach any conditions to my willingness to (co)officiate, and I will have one question only, the question Chalom says he asks couples when they approach him, “Do you love each other?” If the answer is yes, I will have only one response, “Mazel Tov, now let’s look at some dates…”

[1] Acronym in Hebrew for the Polish Rabbi Moshe Iserles, contrary to his Spanish counterpart, Rabbi Yosef Karo, ruled primarily based on tradition, many times opening his glosses on the latter’s ruling with the phrase “In these lands the custom is”. Karo based his rulings primarily on a quasi democratic system amongst three rabbis, Maimonides, Rabbi Yitzhak Alfasi, and Rabbenu Asher, whom he crowned, the “three pillars of Halacha”. This arbitrary system was severely criticized by Iserles and others.

[2]For a full explanation of my reasons for becoming a secular humanist see Gruber, D. S. (2007) Out of Orthodoxy – From Orthodox Rabbi to Secular Humanist. Retrieved November 15, 2007 from http://littlefoxling.blogspot.com/2007/11/guest-post-from-david-gruber.html

[3] Cukierkorn had stated that his reason for moving to Kansas City could be summed up in one word “BBQ”…

[4] Most studies and personal anecdotal experiences indicate that the vast majority of the rabbis that will perform intermarriages attach conditions to such willingness, such as no officiating on Shabbat, officiating only for members of the rabbi’s synagogue, no co-officiating with non-Jewish clergy, officiating only if the couple will raise their children as Jewish, and more and more. Very few, like me, attach no conditions to their willingness to (co)offciate

[5]http://kolhadash.com/Intermarriage.mp3

[6] Elkes, A. (2007). Grown Up Love is Complicated. Retrieved November 18, 2007, from http://www.interfaithfamily.com/relationships/interdating/Grown-Up_Love_Is_Complicated.shtml

[7] See for instance Winterbottom, M. (Director). (2007). A Mighty Heart. Hollywood: Paramount Home Video, and the book it was based on, which tells the story of Daniel and Mariane Pearl, who fit this bill. The film includes scenes of their interfaith marriage.

[8]Finkelstein, I. & Silberman, N. A. (2001). The Bible Unearthed. New York: Simon and Schuster

[9] This is the concept of believing in the existence of many gods, but swearing allegiance to only one. This is quite different from monotheism, where one believes in the existence of only one god. Most scholars today agree that the Yahweh Alone party were monolatrists, not monotheists, and the straightforward reading of the Hebrew Bible really always pointed in that direction.

[10] Ruth 1,4; 4,13

[11] I Chronicles 3,2

[12] I Kings 14,21

[13] I Kings 17,31

[14] I Chronicles 2,17

[15] II Samuel 11,3

[16]Halpern, B. Sybil, or the Two Nations? Archaism, Kinship, Alienation, and the Elite Redefinition of Traditional Culture in Judah in the 8th-7th Centuries B.C.E., in Cooper, J. S. and Schwartz, G. M. (1996). The Study of the Ancient Near East in the Twenty-First Century: The William Foxwell Albright Centennial Conference. Indiana: Eisenbrauns

[17]Skorecki, K., Selig S., Blazer S., Bradman R., Bradman N., Waburton P.J., Ismajlowicz M. & Hammer M.F. (1997). Y chromosomes of Jewish priests. Nature 385: 32. See also Schrack, B. (2007). Cohen does not equal CMH,CMH does not equal Cohen — only in J1 do they coincide. GENEALOGY-DNA-L Archives. Retrieved Nobember 15, 2007, especially her remarks at the end of the posting.

[18]Finkelstein, I. & Silberman, N. A. (2001). The Bible Unearthed. New York: Simon and Schuster

[19]Biran, A. and Naveh J. (1993). An Aramaic Stele Fragment from Tel Dan. Israel Exploration Journal 43, pp. 81-98; Biran, A. and Naveh J. (1995). The Tel Dan Inscription: A New Fragment. Israel Exploration Journal 45, pp. 1-18.

[20] Bereshit Rabbah 68,4

http://www.interfaithweddingrabbi.net

Bridal Gowns – Should These Always Be White?

Ever since Queen Victoria had her fabulous white wedding gown on February 11, 1840, all wedding gowns to this day had to be white. To deviate from the traditional white was preposterous, but today’s brides are ready to flaunt their choice of bridal gowns – in color and design.

Still Virginal White?

During the 1800s, bridal gowns were not splendid creations as they are now. The wedding attire for women at that time were usually the best dress that could be worn for other occasions, and these weren’t white because white cloth was expensive and only for the moneyed or landed gentry. It took the Queen of England to change the humdrum existence of the wedding dress.

Queen Victoria wore a flowing white gown accented with orange blossoms. On her head, she also wore a wreath of orange blossoms while her face was framed in honiton lace. She had 12 bridesmaids also dressed remarkably dressed in white.

But that was in 1800s. Today’s brides are experimenting with other colors for their bridal gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses. There may be some resistance to straying far from the traditional white gown, but it is your wedding and you can always have your say.

Instead of the usual white gown, you can opt for ivory, off-white, silver, gold, and pink. Your folks maybe aghast at your choice of color for your wedding gown, but it’s either you go for hints of the palest pink or blue, or go full blast in vibrant reds and blues. Or, you can appease your parents by wearing an ivory gown, but dressing up your bridesmaids in bold red.

Bridal Colors

Tradition is hard to break, but there is no rule that prohibits the use of vibrant colors for bridal gowns. Today’s brides want to be different, and they can dare be different. There’s the risk, though, that their choices will not meet everybody’s approval. But as long as you are satisfied with your choices, everything will be all right.

Here are some of the favorite bridal colors for wedding gowns:

* Ivory – good for women who have super fair complexion and red hair.
* Pastels – Spring brides are opting for pastels to celebrate the season.
* Silver – for avant garde brides with slim figures.
* Red – for women who love life and adventure.
* Pink – for passionate women who are ultra feminine.
* Black – for sophisticates who can really feel comfortable in this color.

To make the picture perfect, you can also have swaths of the same cloth for your shoes to match your wedding dress color.

So finally, it’s not always virginal white for brides. Colors are in, and brides are opting for colored bridal gowns to express their personality and individuality.

Figure Enhancing Shapes

After color, silhouette matters. The common outlines are a-lines, ball gowns, empire waist gowns, sheaths, and princess cuts. Ask the in-house designer to help you with your gown’s cut to flatter your figure. These friendly tips will guide in choosing your gown’s shape:

* If you’re petite, avoid the ball gown.
* If you’re wide-hipped, avoid the sheath.

Be guided with the usual rules, though. For formal weddings, have a floor length gown and a long train. For informal weddings, you can use a strapless gown, and for an outdoor wedding, a short frock can keep to the theme. When it comes to colors, you don’t have to be chained to one of those virginal white bridal gowns.

Want the best of wedding dresses or bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses? Visit BestForBride.com today for your bridal needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarrah_Beaumont

Wedding Dresses – Avoiding Gown Malfunctions

Wedding Dresses – Avoiding Gown Malfunctions

Talk to a single girl s about wedding dresses and you’re sure to get an earful of must-haves. They talk about fairy princess gowns, expensive brocade, and unique gowns meant only for them. When it’s time for them to get their bridal gown, they fall down to earth with a bang.

Gown Malfunction

The thought of slipping or struggling into an ill-fitting wedding dress or tuxedo is everybody’s nightmare, worse than fending off Freddy Krueger on Elm Street. Those heavenly wedding dresses and tuxedos you’ve seen on rows and rows of racks can become disasters if you don’t make sure that alterations are carried out to perfection.

This is true if you’ve hastily ordered a gown on eBay or inherited a wedding gown from your grandmother’s heyday. Reputable bridal shops have experienced modistes who will do the alterations and beadwork by hand. Their experience with wedding dresses won’t have you ending up with tight chested gowns with tight armholes.

Other bridal dresses disasters including popping buttons, shrunk gowns, improper accessories, inappropriate undergarments, a zipper that won’t close, and a tiara that does not look right with the gown. And these are discovered on the wedding day!

Avoiding Gown Disasters

Usually the gown is selected a year or six months before the wedding because several things can happen in-between. It’s better to get a gown six months ahead, instead of a year. These helpful tips are products of years of wedding gown disasters handed from one bride to another.

Rules to go by for the perfect wedding gown:

* Don’t get pregnant.
* Watch your weight.
* Follow a strict beauty regimen.

When shopping for the gown, don’t let your groom, sister, bridesmaids and your mom tag along. Instead, choose one or two friends and your mom to go with to check out the wedding dresses on the rack. You can start the great hunt with a picture or photo cut-out of a wedding gown that has caught your fancy.

Other tips to follow:

* Don’t get a gown with a long train if you have no handler. Although it looks romantic and gorgeous, having a long bridal train can be disastrous if you have no handler or someone to attend to the train whenever you move.
* Make sure the gown has the correct hem. During the fitting, bring the shoes with the right height so the hem can be adjusted accordingly.
* Wear the proper brassiere or corset for the perfect fit during the fitting.
* While fitting, choose the right veil, gloves, crinolines, and other wedding accessories at the same shop.
* Choose the right accessories to enhance the look of your gown.
* Fittings should take place 8 weeks before the wedding, and check the zippers and the buttons when the gown is delivered.
* If it can be arranged, have a fitting a week before the wedding.
* Have your bridal photo session and dress rehearsal two days before the wedding.

Remember that the wedding dresses reflect the tastes and personality of the bride, so make your choice, but listen to some comments or advice from the resident designer of the bridal shop. They have something to say to help you avoid those wedding gown disasters.

Wedding dresses make the bride, so do not rush and regret those wedding gown booboos.

Lovely wedding dresses, wedding gowns, and bridesmaid dresses give weddings that magical atmosphere. Be the loveliest bride ever and get your gown from BestForBride.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarrah_Beaumont

Behind The Wedding Gown Scenes

Getting a wedding gown is stressful. The gown has to be perfect and must dazzle everybody, but it sends you to the poor house. No wonder it’s no picnic choosing the bridal dress. But what goes behind choosing the wedding dress?

The Engagement Starts The Fuss

The moment the man pops the question, the wedding planning frenzy starts, and the fiance is always overwhelmed with the amount of preparation for the wedding. The wedding gown is the major issue to deal with, while the rest are secondary issues and can be attended to by family members and friends.

After deciding the wedding date and the venue of the ceremony and reception, everything goes on a roll, but the brides-to-be give more attention to the wedding gown of their fantasies. They must have the best or go bust. With so many things to do at once, tempers flare and misunderstandings between the couples and families happen, but these are expected.

The best way to treat the issue and keep one’s composure is to make a list of the things to do, bridal shops to visit, and the gowns and accessories to get for the bride and the bridesmaids.

Deciding the Details

Wedding Theme – The design of the bride’s gown will depend on the type of wedding ceremony in mind. Will it be an elaborate traditional wedding, or an informal but elegant themed wedding? Once this has been decided, there will be a general idea where to begin one’s search for the perfect gown.

Budget – The budget is the cincher. No matter what you decide for your wedding, the budget will dictate the extent of your expenses for gowns, number of groomsmen and bridesmaids, menu and reception, and honeymoon.

Other details like invitation, wedding cake, photography, DJ service, and limousine rental will have to be carefully adjusted without giving up the frills for a dream wedding, no matter simple or extravagant it is.

Preparing for the Wedding Gown

When you have decided the budget for the wedding and the gown, you either have three choices – get a custom-made gown, buy a gown off the rack, or rent a gown.

It is also a big mistake to stick to a particular design because it looked terrific on Noami Campbell or Adriana Lima, and rush order gowns should be avoided because these are expensive. It’s better to stay cool and plan the purchase of your gown six months before the wedding.

Six months may seem too much, but when you’re on the hunt for a wedding gown here are the energy-zappers you have to deal with:

* Choosing the design and fabric.
* Selecting the accessories and jewelries.
* Fitting sessions.
* Watching your weight.
* Sticking to the budget.

If your wedding falls on prom month, better make reservations for your gown and accessories, limousine, and other services well ahead of time, even a year ahead, just to make sure you can be accommodated. During peak months, prices can be staggering and discounts are hard to come by.

When shopping for your gown, take along two of your best friends and let them judge the fit and cut of the dress on you, not while it’s still on the hanger. Just make sure you look perfect from all angles in your wedding gown.

Dazzle them with your wonderful wedding gown. You can always get the dream gowns for yourself and your bridesmaids with wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses to suit all styles and budget. Visit BestForBride.com today and get the perfect fit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarrah_Beaumont