Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

A Galia Lahav Bride for a Romantic Jewish Wedding Full of Natural Beauty at Bayaar, Israel

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Erika-Zachi-Bayaar-Israel

Today’s stunner of a Jewish wedding showcases so much of what makes Israel such a very special place. Erika and Zachi chose to make things official at beautiful Bayaar, one of those only-in-Israel outdoor venues just brimming with lush natural beauty.

The couple’s incredible wedding planner, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Craspedia Events, expertly guided them through the process every step of the way – and she did an absolutely stellar job working with them select the perfect décor to complement the exquisite surroundings

Erika looked so radiant in her romantic mermaid gown by beloved Israeli designer Galia Lahav, and the couple chose to exchange heartfelt personal vows as part of their chuppah. You can see all the love and emotion coming through bright and clear in every single photo from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Tzahi Shemesh.

In summing up her biggest wedding planning advice, Erika advises other couples to “seize the chance to savor the most extraordinary day of your life as it swiftly unfolds.” Now more than ever, these are wise words we should all take heed of – not just on our wedding day, but every day.

Now over to Erika…

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How We Met

Erika, the bride: I am an economist, while he is a lawyer, and we both share an entrepreneurial spirit, primarily focusing on online ventures such as trading platforms, cryptocurrencies, and online gaming. Although we had crossed paths a few times due to our shared industry, it was on Tinder that I came across his profile. I liked what I saw, and we began chatting. After three weeks of daily conversations, we decided to meet for our first date.Continue ReadingContinue Reading

#MyJewishGrandparents

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These are my grandparents Nazima and Yechezkiel.

They led a life of luxury in Iraq until rising antisemitic persecution and violence forced them to emigrate to Israel with nothing but the clothes on their backs. 

I owe my life to them. 

They gave up everything to return to our Jewish homeland, and their story is at the heart of why I love Israel so much – and why it’s essential for us to be able to feel safe in our indigenous home. 

Right now, I’m surrounded by people saying Israel is a ‘white colonizer oppressior’ state. Maybe you are too. 

It’s so important that non-Jews understand this simply isn’t true. 

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Fighting Back with Love: A Wartime Jewish Wedding at Nefesh B’Nefesh, Jerusalem, Israel

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Aviva-Jeremy-Nefesh-BNefesh-Israel

We’ve heard so many inspiring stories of Israeli couples getting married since October 7. Today’s newlyweds, Aviva and Jeremy, are among them.

Aviva, a wedding hair stylist and makeup artist originally from London, and Jeremy, an ASO Analyst for a marketing agency who hails from Sydney, had originally planned a big Jewish wedding to take place on October 17. When the war broke out, they had to make some major changes to their plans – including a new venue, a much smaller guest list, and a revised date of October 25 to allow Jeremy’s parents time to get to Israel amidst constant flight cancellations.

Luckily, Aviva and Jeremy had been working with wedding planner Vicki Rosen from the beginning, and she was able to help the couple plan what amounted to a whole new wedding from scratch at Nefesh B’Nefesh’s campus overlooking the Jerusalem skyline – which the organization generously offered up to couples who needed somewhere to get married during the war – in just 6 days!

One constant throughout it all was the couple’s photographer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Herschel Gutman. Aviva knew she wanted to book Herschel even before she got engaged, and when the wedding was postponed she and Jeremy chose their new date around his availability! And a quick scroll through Herschel’s ultra-emotional images will show you why.

During the chuppah, Aviva and Jeremy’s rabbi shared some moving words speaking to the couple’s situation:

In times of war, there are two ways of fighting back: one is to physically fight and battle and our beloved soldiers are doing so, while the other way is to love and to build families.

Such a powerful reminder that, in the end, that’s really what Jewish weddings are all about.

Now over to Aviva…

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How We Met

Aviva, the bride: We met at a Shabbat meal at a friend’s house and soon after Jeremy asked me out for coffee. We connected over our mutual love of fiction books and chocolate. I knew I was falling for Jeremy when he drank an entire cup of melted chocolate on one of our early dates! Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Our Top 18 Hanukkah Gift Ideas from Jewish Businesses and Creators for 2023

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This year, I’m looking forward to Hanukkah more than ever before. The reminder that each one of us has the power to bring light to the darkness has never resonated so much. And I think just about all of us Jews need the pick-me-up this joyful holiday provides. 

As I prepare for the holiday (which starts the evening of Thursday, December 7 this year), I’m making it a priority to focus on supporting Jewish-owned businesses and Jewish and Israeli creators. One good thing to have come out of this tragic time is the phenomenal sense of unity among the Jewish people, and there are so many amazing Jewish businesses to support – many of which are struggling right now.

Whether you’re looking for ideas for gifts for loved ones or are wanting to treat yourself for the Festival of Lights, I hope you’ll find just the thing among our very favorite Hanukkah gift options for 2023. 

Petite Floating Magen Necklace by Ariel Tidhar

Magen David Necklace

If recent events have got you in the mood for a new #PDJ (public display of Judaism), you can’t do any better than to turn to jewelry designer and Smashing Life member Ariel Tidhar. Speaking of which… we’re actually giving one of these beauties in our Make a New Jewish Bestie Challenge running from Monday, November 26 through Thursday, November 30, so sign up now for your chance to win it!

Blue Pattern Menorah by Maiyan Ben Yona

Modern Menorah

Handcrafted in Israel by ceramicist Maiyan Ben Yona, this unique menorah consists of 9 separate pieces (eight of the same size and a larger shamash) that you can arrange as you like!

Talia Dreidel Terrarium by Adara Rituals

Dreidel Terrarium

If you’re after some Hanukkah decor that’s sleek, sophisticated, and not even the tiniest bit cheesy, this dreidel terrarium is second to none. Fill it with floral arrangements, succulent gardens, twinkle lights, or gelt – or let the design stand for itself. 

The Diamonds of the Holy Land Necklace by Solo✦K Jewelry

Israel Necklace

Keep our homeland close to your heart always with this gorgeous 14k gold pendant (available in yellow white, or rose gold) by Israel-based luxury jeweler Solo✦K.

Hamsa Embroidery Kit 

Jewish Embroidery

If you need a new hobby to distract you from doom scrolling, how abut some Jewish embroidery? This lovely kit features a hamsa surrounded by colorful and decorative elements – and once completed, it’ll look stunning up on your wall. 

Jewish Joy Journal

Jewish Joy Journal

Part goal planner, part gratitude journal, part non-judgmental Jewish BFF, The Jewish Joy Journal (written and created by ME!) will help us, as Jewish women, connect more deeply with our Jewish identity, achieve our goals, and increase our happiness, resilience, and productivity during challenging times.

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Register for our FREE ‘Make a New Jewish Bestie’ Challenge – we get started this Sunday November 26!

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Since the atrocities of October 7, so many of us are feeling the need to connect with fellow Jews now more than ever. During this hard time for our people, nourishing Jewish friendships energize us and make us feel comforted, connected and understood.

That’s why I’m running running the Make a New Jewish Bestie Challenge from this Sunday, November 26 through Thursday, November 30.

If you’re lucky enough to already have strong Jewish friendships you’ll want to join the Jewish Bestie Challenge to make even more! And if you don’t have many Jewish friends, or a community who gets how you’re feeling right now, this challenge is exactly what you need to feel whole again.

And although the new friends and deepened connections you’ll make are the real reward, for a little extra excitement we’ll also be giving away three STUNNING Magen David necklaces by three different Jewish jewellery designers! 

JOIN THE CHALLENGE FOR FREE

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