Local rabbi celebrates marriage

By Saria Kraft Acorn Staff Writer

MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn Rabbi Richard Spiegel and Rebbetzin Linda Spiegel

Most often, a second wedding is an intimate gathering of friends and family, particularly when both spouses previously have been married. Not so when a rabbi takes a rebbetzin.

Four rabbis, two cantors and a cantorial soloist officiated at the marriage of Rabbi Richard Spiegel to Linda Braverman early this summer at Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks. Another three rabbis and more than 550 guests attended.

Rabbi Spiegel, appointed in 2000, heads the longest established congregation in the East Ventura County. Founded in 1963, Etz Chaim serves about 600 families with members from Agoura Hills, Moorpark, Newbury Park and Camarillo.

Prior to the wedding, the couple was blessed before the Torah in an ufruf ceremony during Shabbat services. Instead of attendants, the Sunday wedding procession included parents, the rabbi’s sons, ages 23 and 19, the bride’s daughter, Lisa Braverman, 16, and son, Josh Braverman, 15. According to custom, the bride circled the groom seven times in the ceremony. A champagne and dessert reception, replete with Israeli folk dancing, followed in the social hall.

"It was wonderful to see so many people be a part of the big celebration," Linda Spiegel said. "There was so much love and warmth in the room, people were really happy for us."

After a Hawaiian honeymoon, the newlyweds were honored at the home of retired Rabbi Jack Schechter and his wife, Leah, where the sheva brachot (seven blessings) were recited. Traditionally, the blessings are recited each night of the first week of marriage.

"I proposed after the first Seder of Passover," Rabbi Spiegel said. "It was April 16," Linda said.

Significant to all CPAs, the date follows the close of tax season. The rebbetzin has maintained an accounting practice from her home for the past 15 years.

"I’ve pretty much written my last check," the rabbi said.

The couple purchased a home in Agoura Hills this summer. Linda said they were unpacked "in like a week."

"She’s very efficient," praised the rabbi. "I’m not so efficient."

The blending of household goods is harmonious. Israeli and Judaic artwork grace every room. A scene of a couple beneath a chuppah (wedding canopy) presides over the living room mantel. Delicate grapevines surround the bride and groom. A ketubbah (marriage contract) of elaborate calligraphy hangs upstairs over the bedroom fireplace. Ritual objects in silver, brass and ceramic adorn the dining room.

"My sons were shocked to see that the football memorabilia in the family room was Linda’s," the rabbi said. The rebbetzin, a Denver native, is a huge Broncos fan.

Becoming the wife of a rabbi wasn’t a surprising role to fulfill. Linda serves on the board of the Temple Sisterhood. Her children went to preschool at Etz Chaim and were Bar Mitzvah’d there. "We have a kosher home and are active in the synagogue," she said. "This was long before my husband and I were together."

What is surprising is the public attention. "What I do as a CPA is very private work," she said. "Now, when I go to the market, people are curious to see what’s in my basket."

With the High Holiday season beginning at sundown Sept. 26, the rabbi has entered a serious and thoughtful time of preparation. In the coming weeks, there will be many sermons to deliver, many messages to impart. He begins with a personal lesson for Rosh Hashana (the New Year).

"The message is that change and growth are possible, and that for us, coming together in a new marriage is a demonstration that wonderful things can happen in a person’s life."