Chabad Rabbis: Role in Modern Jewish Wedding Ceremonies

Two Chabad emissaries will officiate at the wedding of Israeli pop singer Omer Adam and his partner Sasha Israelovich, which takes place today (Wednesday) at an upscale venue in Portofino, Italy.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Chazan, a Chabad emissary in Milan, and Rabbi Mendy Gurevitch, who serves the Israeli community of Mishmar Hashiva, will conduct the ceremony.

The chuppah will feature complete gender separation between men and women, a requirement set by Hasidic singer Moti Steinmetz, who is performing at the event. According to Israeli media reports, Steinmetz's contract includes a clause mandating full separation under the chuppah (wedding canopy). Sources close to the performer said he has previously arrived at overseas weddings without separation and canceled his participation on the spot. "Anyone who books him for a wedding knows he requires a separated ceremony," they noted.

Steinmetz's appearance fee is estimated at approximately $20,000, including flights and accommodation. Those involved in planning the event told Israeli media that Adam is a fan of Steinmetz's music and specifically wanted him to perform on his special day.

Adam, one of Israel's most popular singers, is known for his connection to Jewish tradition and observance. He puts on tefillin and prays daily, keeps kosher dietary laws, does not perform on Shabbat, and is involved in charitable work.

In a recent interview with Israeli newspaper Basheva, Adam's mother Sharon described her prayers leading up to the wedding. "For a long time I prayed for this moment, at the Lubavitcher Rebbe's gravesite, at Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's tomb, and at Rabbi Meir Baal Haness," she said.

She continued: "I asked the Creator to do what only He knows how to do, to find for my dear firstborn son a soulmate from the same spiritual root, simply, easily, at the right time and in the right way."