The Chuppah

A chuppah is a canopy
Beneath which couples wed.
It could be made of cloth, a shawl
Or flower boughs instead.

Tradition called for chuppahs
To be held up, using poles,
With relatives or friends assigned
The chuppah-holding roles.

When I got married, years ago,
But on this very date,
My brothers, cousin and my husband’s
Brother filled the slate.

The cloth was velvet with the star
Of David center-placed.
We stood beneath it, said our vows,
Sipped wine and then embraced.

I don’t know whence the chuppah came -
Perhaps the rabbi’s stash –
But it’s a symbol I recall
Just like the glass’s smash.*

Our wedding was a small one
But the chuppah played its part
To ensure our matrimony
Had a customary start.

*In Jewish weddings, the groom stomps
on a cloth-covered glass right after the
ceremony.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Rigoler Avatar
December 5, 2022 at 7:28 AM
Thanks for the why-for of this new Hebrew word, Ilene. / Maurice
Wolf Avatar
November 28, 2022 at 7:55 PM
I've never forgotten that classic Yiddish warning, Ilene: "No chuppah, no shtuppah!" lol. ~ Zayde
Parker Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 8:00 PM
Symbols last a lifetime on occasions of best remembered joy. Congrats on your finding the one forever. ~;o)
Cunningham Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 2:34 PM
Interesting Ilene, I'd heard the word but didn't know what it was now I do. Tom
Hankins Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 11:10 AM
Thanks so much, Ilene, for sharing this look at a Jewish wedding. It was an interesting read for me. I enjoyed being a guest your wedding all these years later!
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