Jewish Weddings Maui

A Little About Me

My name is Gary Shin-Leavitt and I specialize in Jewish Weddings here on Maui.

For four years, I was the lay leader of the progressive Jewish Congregation here on Maui. We didn’t have the resources to hire a Rabbi, so it fell to me. It was a wonderful experience, and shortly after beginning that journey, I became licensed by the State of Hawaii to perform weddings.

There are a few things you might like to know about me if you are considering having me officiate at your special occasion.

First, let me be clear– I am NOT a Rabbi. If that is really important to you.. I totally get it… however– I ain’t the guy.

If you are looking for a somber, serious, orthodox kinda ceremony… I get it… however— once again, I ain’t the guy. I believe your wedding should be the happiest, most joyous day of your life, not heavy and stress-laden.

That being said, I am Jewish, have been a Cantorial Soloist for many years, and have performed many Jewish Weddings, trained youth for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and sadly, even presided at funerals.

Although my specialty is Jewish Weddings, as I am also a Universal Life Ordained Clergy Person, and I can and do officiate at Interfaith Weddings, Non-Denominational Weddings, and I’m VERY excited to report that as of January 1, 2012, I will be VERY, VERY proud to officiate at CIVIL UNIONS (Way to go Hawaii !!)

My Jewish background is varied and cosmopolitan. I come from a somewhat traditional, Eastern European heritage, combined with a strong egalitarian and progressive direction; I am the essence of inclusiveness and participation. I believe regardless of our history or whom we love, we all should share fully in our traditions. I would say I am about as far left on the Jewish spectrum as you can get without falling off the edge.

I encourage you to contact me either by phone or email, so we can get to know each other. I think you will find me sensitive to your wishes, fun & lighthearted.

Gary Shin-Leavitt

Wedding Officiant

licensed by the

State of Hawaii