Lifecycle Events:
Life is a journey marked by moments of profound meaning, such as welcoming a child, celebrating a coming-of-age, joining in marriage, saying goodbye to a loved one, or simply sharing wisdom through a story. Rabbi Dan Gordon brings heart, humor, and depth to each of these moments. With decades of experience across Jewish and interfaith traditions, Rabbi Dan creates personalized, inclusive ceremonies that reflect the unique identities and values of the individuals and families he serves. Whether it's a wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, end-of-life tribute, or a storytelling event, every service is handled with care, respect, and a touch of soul.
​​Creative Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah/B'nai Mitzvah
Whatever name you choose, this simcha (joyous occasion) is a very special time in the lives of young people and their families. Our traditional synagogue ceremonies are wonderful for many; especially if you are in a community where students learn together and have significant support from both peers and families.
At the same time, some families desire a more unique experience, whether it is because of different learning abilities, limited background in religious education, special family circumstances or a variety of other reasons. Preparing for a B'nai Mitzvah (the plural and gender neutral version Bar Mitzvah for boys and Bat Mitzvah for girls) can be stressful; it can also be an exciting way to bridge the gap between childhood and adolescence.
I like to help people embrace this process, and even have other family members as part of the learning. Different venues can also be special. I have worked with families whose ceremonies have been in backyards, restaurants, parks, baseball stadiums, planetariums and summer camps. I spend individual time with the student working toward the values of menschlekeit (integrity) in addition to preparing for a ceremony. A private ceremony that expresses the student's unique perspective and personality makes for a very memorable simcha.
Funerals and Memorial Services​
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Perhaps there is no more important time to have a relationship with a rabbi than at the end of the life of a loved one. I want to learn about the person who passed away, and feel as if I know him or her. I’ll take the time needed to listen to their stories and your stories, and try to re-create the story of his or her life.
I’ll also help walk you through the logistics as needed of speaking with the funeral home. At this most difficult time, I’ll help you and your family celebrate the life of the one you lost, keeping them alive in your heart.
You may want a traditional Jewish burial. At the same time, many people choose to remember their loved ones in ways that are personal in different ways. I can help you think of creative ways that are specific to your wishes.
Renewal of Wedding Vows
This is becoming a very popular event for many reasons. Some people want to commemorate a “big” number, like 25, 30, 40, 50 or 60th anniversary. Some may have had a civil wedding because one partner wasn’t Jewish and you couldn’t find a rabbi at the time who would officiate interfaith weddings. This a a great way to have the chuppah you always wanted. It can be a special treat when children or grandchildren participate. I’ll personalize a ceremony that will honor your past and your future.
One of the most special ceremonies I officiated was the renewal of wedding vows for my own parents, around their 47th anniversary. People said, “Why don’t you wait till 50?” They responded, “Why wait!?”
Baby Namings
A new birth is certainly something to celebrate! Rabbi Dan brings a special flavor to baby naming ceremonies. If desired, he will guide the new parents in selecting a Hebrew name, and then create a personalized ceremony to welcome the child into the world. The ceremony will include blessings in Hebrew and English, as well as modern poetry and roles for the parents, grandparents and other friends and relatives in a participatory and very memorable event.