You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
M. M. NINAN<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Chuppah in Weddings<br />
A chuppah, a piece <strong>of</strong> cloth held up by four poles, serves as a marriage canopy in<br />
traditional Jewish wedding ceremonies. The bride <strong>and</strong> groom st<strong>and</strong> under <strong>the</strong><br />
chuppah during <strong>the</strong> ceremony. The canopy symbolizes <strong>the</strong> new home being created<br />
by <strong>the</strong> couple.<br />
Some people use a tallit for <strong>the</strong> chuppah cloth. O<strong>the</strong>rs use a tallit under <strong>the</strong><br />
Chuppah as an additional covering. The chuppah is usually held outside, under <strong>the</strong><br />
stars, just prior to sundown, as a reminder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> blessing given by God to<br />
Abraham, that his children will be as numerous "as <strong>the</strong> stars <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> heavens."<br />
A tallit is commonly spead over <strong>the</strong> wedding symbolizing <strong>the</strong> unity <strong>of</strong> husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
wife <strong>and</strong> reminding <strong>the</strong>m <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> comm<strong>and</strong>ment. It also indicates <strong>the</strong> covering <strong>of</strong><br />
God’s mercy <strong>and</strong> faithfulness over <strong>the</strong> family to generations as He has promised.<br />
"Bless Adonai, O my soul. Adonai, My God, You are very great, You are clo<strong>the</strong>d in<br />
glory <strong>and</strong> majesty. You have wrapped yourself with a garment <strong>of</strong> light, spreading out<br />
<strong>the</strong> heavens like a curtain.":<br />
17
Change language