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 © Ilene Bauer | Year Posted 2022
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