Jewish ritual with spirit and care
About Jenna
My name is Kohenet Jenna Rose. As a Jewish spiritual leader and Hebrew Priestess, my life and work are deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of my Ashkenazic ancestry, infused with a contemporary and inclusive spirit.
My priestess title, Ohevet Briyot, means "Lover of Beings" in Hebrew. My priestessing is rooted in a profound love for all beings. With both humans and animals, I cherish the moments of presence and connection that allow us to live into our most expressed selves. My passion lies in being with people during intimate, transformative moments—through life's transitions, personal growth, or shared experiences in community.
As a queer femme, and as a pro-diasporic anti-zionist Jew, I bring a commitment to justice and equity for all peoples, aligning my spiritual practices and ritual craft with my social values.
I specialize in creating and leading rituals that celebrate the beauty and sacredness of life’s significant moments. Each ceremony is crafted with care, honouring traditions while embracing the unique dreams and desires of those involved. My intention is to facilitate meaningful and heartfelt experiences that resonate deeply and create lasting memories.
I look forward to the possibility of sharing in your sacred moments and helping to craft ceremonies that reflect the kavanah (intention) and ruach (spirit) at the heart of your life's most important events.
Offerings
Life cycle ritual craft
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Weddings & Love Ceremonies
It is my profound honour to facilitate one of life's most significant moments and sacred rituals. As a wedding officiant rooted in Jewish tradition, I am entrusted with guiding you through a deeply personal ceremony that reflects your shared values and relationship intentions. It's a privilege to be part of your love story, craft words that celebrate your unique connection to your beloved, and co-create a sacred space where you can speak your love commitments into being.
📸: Rosewood Studios -
Baby Naming & Bris Ceremonies
It is Jewish tradition for new parents and their loved ones to celebrate the birth of a child by welcoming them into community. Whether you are choosing a brit milah (circumcision), brit shalom (alternative to circumcision), or a baby naming ceremony, it is an absolute simcha (joy) to help you envision and create a ritual that both marks your baby's covenant with the Divine and reflects your values and beliefs.
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Animal Companion Death & Grief Rituals
Some of the most profound love we can experience in our lifetime is with our animal companions. I believe that it is through these connections that we can access a direct pathway to the Divine. When our beloved animals die, it is a devastating loss, made harder by the fact that the significance of the loss is not often recognized in the mainstream. Drawing on ancient Jewish grief practices, I will create a supportive container for you to be with your grief, reflect on the enduring significance of the relationship, and say goodbye in a loving way.
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Gender Affirmation & Chosen Name Ceremonies
Ancient Judaism recognizes a spectrum of gender identities beyond the binary. Contemporary queer and trans Jews have created resources and guides to help reclaim this traditional knowledge. The beauty, complexity, and tenderness of coming into your gender can be supported by the vessel of a gender-affirming ceremony. Whether gathered with your loved ones, or simply and powerfully alone in the presence of the Divine, I will invite witnessing of your journey, mark this moment in your life, and support you in moving into this next chapter.
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Fertility & Pregnancy Rituals
With fertility journeys so much out of our control, spiritual practice and ritual can be powerful resources for resilience building and making meaning of complexity along the way. There are many earth-based Jewish rituals to draw upon, in addition to prayer and folk magic. Rituals of these kinds can be private or held in community. I will work with you to craft rituals that support you spiritually through this tender process.
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Have something else in mind?
Birthdays, new beginnings, reclaiming sexuality, breakups, and other meaningful moments. The moments that we mark in our lives reflect who we are as individuals and as community members. Even if these milestones are not traditionally recognized, it is my honour to work with you to develop a unique ceremony for the moments that matter to you.
📸: Rosewood Studios
Marika & Sarah
“From the very first step of envisioning our ritual through closing the circle on the day of our ceremony, Jenna supported us with so much care, wisdom, and intentionality.”
Ritual that meets you where you are
Creating celebratory spaces for Jews and their loved ones who have been marginalized by mainstream and Ashkenazi-dominant Jewish institutions
📸: Frances Beatty
Micah & Liana
“Jenna was an invaluable resource to us when planning and executing our wedding. She was knowledgeable, joyous, easy to plan with, and very sensitive to our specific needs as a couple. She effortlessly wove elements of Jewish value and ritual with her knowledge of who we are as people, creating an experience so resonant and cohesive; the day truly rang.”
FAQs
Is a Kohenet the same as a Rabbi?
While a Kohenet and a Rabbi are both ordained Jewish spiritual leaders, they are not the same. A Kohenet is Jewish clergy who is trained in an earth-based, feminist and pre-rabbinic lineage of Judaism.
I’m Jew-ish. Will this be religious?
You are always in control of how religious any ritual will feel. We will talk explicitly about the inclusion (or exclusion) of God-language, prayer, Hebrew, song, etc. It is of the utmost importance that your ceremony reflects your values and beliefs.
Do you work with interfaith couples/families?
Absolutely. While the ceremonies I create are rooted in my own Jewish lineage and training, I love incorporating ritual items, elements and traditions from each person's background. Your ceremony will reflect who you are individually, and as a couple/family.
Can you legally marry us?
Yes! I am licensed as a marriage officiant within the province of Ontario through the Centre for Spiritual Living.
I don’t want to circumcise my son. Is there an alternative ceremony?
There is a growing movement of Jewish parents who are choosing not to circumcise their babies, and instead are honoring the covenant between Jews and the divine with a non-cutting bris, called a Brit Atifah (Wrapping Covenant). This is a beautiful option for families who want to welcome their child into the Jewish community in a non-traditional, but still deeply meaningful way.
What are your fees?
Fees for custom rituals range based on length, location and type of ceremony. Please contact me to share your ideas, and I will offer you a quote.
Stephanie & Jesse
