Welcome to Irishrabbi.com, the website of Rabbi Mark R. Newton.
Why this particular website name? Because as far as I know, I’m the only rabbi in the world who has an Irish passport. Now as it happens, I was born, raised, and currently live in the United States. Nevertheless, I am very proud of my Irish citizenship and heritage. I am also privileged to live in Boston -- a terrific city in which to enjoy both the Jewish and Irish experiences.
I am pleased to announce my availability to perform weddings, commitment ceremonies and other Jewish life cycle events. Let me tell you a little bit about myself and what I do, in order to help you decide how I can be of service to you.
My rabbinical ordination is from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College where I graduated in 1991, with a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters.
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For many years now I have enjoyed providing rabbinical services and support for couples in the process of celebrating their union.
I work with couples where both partners are Jewish, as well as with couples where only one is Jewish. In essence, I serve as your spiritual guide as you begin to create your own special and unique family unit. I assist you through the process of creating a warm, beautiful and meaningful ceremony that reflects Jewish values and often includes rituals from other ethnic traditions.
As I am also a cantorial soloist, you may be assured of a pleasant musical experience as well!
I am also proud to officiate at gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies, now called
civil unions,
whether as the authorized officiant recognized in that state, or in a religious ceremony outside of Vermont.
As of May 20, 2004, fully legal same-sex marriages have taken place within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At the present time, a little used law dating to 1913 (originally passed to prevent interracial marriages) is being applied to same-sex couples who are not resident in Massachusetts. Although the Massachusetts Senate voted overwhelmingly to rescind this law, the House of Representatives is more conservative, and we don't know what the outcome will be there. Also, Governor Mitt Romney has vowed to veto any repeal of the law. Please consult the website of Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders for up-to-date information.
As of June 2005, fully legal same-sex marriage is now available in all provinces and territories of Canada. Some provinces may have residence requirements, but check with the civil authorities of each jurisdiction to note any recent changes.
There have been a number of recent changes made in Québec civil law regarding marriages. Most of these changes make the paperwork easier. Please see The official Québec governement website for further information.
Il y a quelques changes faites à la fin de 2005, qui concernent les mariages au Québec. La plupart de ces changes allège la paperasserie. Veuillez visiter le site officiel du Gouvernement du Québec pour plus renseignements.
Je parle français et je peux bien conduire une cérémonie bilingue pour vous!
I have often been asked if I will perform a service for couples where neither partner is Jewish, and the answer is -- yes. In the course of my career, I have met many religiously unaffiliated people who nevertheless wish to have their life cycle events celebrated in a spiritually enriching way by a member of the clergy. For such couples I have created non-denominational ceremonies which incorporate rituals from many traditions.
I am based in Boston, so my usual geographic area includes metropolitan Boston, all of New England (New Hampshire, Vermont,
Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island), most of New York state,
and certain northeastern seaboard cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, etc.
I am flexible in considering other locations, especially Canada, Europe, Florida, and the other parts of the U.S.A.
For more information, please e-mail me and I will be pleased to send you an FAQ which will answer
most of your questions about my background, experience, philosophy and availability.
(So as not to delete your e-mail by mistake, please put the word WEDDING in the subject field.)
I can also be reached by telephone at 617-520-8002.
I do update this site from time to time, so be sure and refresh your internet browser history so as to find the latest updates. Please come back and visit!
Síocháin!