Frequently asked questions
Questions people actually ask
Do we need to be synagogue members?
No. Royal Rabbi is particularly for families who are not synagogue members and have no rabbi to call.
Will the rabbi officiate an interfaith ceremony?
Each profile states the officiant's position on interfaith and same-sex ceremonies openly, so you can see before you ask.
Which ceremonies are covered?
Lifecycle events including weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, baby namings and funerals. Each officiant lists the ceremonies they perform.
What if we need a rabbi for a funeral urgently?
Use the urgent pathway for funerals, which has a response within two hours. Funeral bookings never carry a fee.
Can we meet the officiant before booking?
Yes. A video meeting is arranged first, because fit matters enormously.
What does it cost families?
Nothing to use Royal Rabbi, which is free for families. Officiants list their own fees on their profiles.
How do officiants pay?
Officiants choose between 29 dollars a month for a profile or 8 percent of booking value. Funeral bookings never carry a fee.
Is there a guide to what happens at each event?
Yes. A free guide for each lifecycle event covers what actually happens, what it costs, what to ask an officiant, and the options for interfaith and non-traditional families.
Why should I trust the officiant conversation check?
Your answers stay in your browser, and nothing about your choices is judged: there are no right answers, only things to settle or ask. For a funeral, skip this and use the urgent pathway, which responds within two hours.
Are you ready for a first conversation with a rabbi or cantor?
Answer sixteen questions about the ceremony, what matters to your family, what to ask and the practical arrangements. See what is already settled, and what to talk about together or ask an officiant next. Runs in your browser. No account, no card, no call.
Open the free toolIt runs in your browser. Royal Rabbi never sees your inputs.