I absolutely love this story and the indomitable spirit it represents. It just happens that yesterday I celebrated the marriage of my cousin Cody to his beautiful bride Erika. Our sojourn began with my folks, two uncles and aunts, sister and brother-in-law riding an Elvis chauffeured limo to the nursing home to pick up my 86 year old grandmother. Elvis finished his first quick serenade as we lifted my delighted grandmother to her seat for the hour long drive to the synagogue. The lovely celebration brought Jewish and Christian families together on an occasion of joy. Under the chupah, a decorated canopy on four poles that symbolizes the home that the bride and groom are creating together, the rabbi read the ketubah (Jewish wedding contract). The openness of the chupah also represents that the home shall remain open to family and guests throughout the marriage. I’m thankful for the opportunity to reflect on traditions stemming from the Biblical wedding of Abraham and Sarah. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Cody smashed a glass with his foot. My understanding is that the marriage will last as long as the glass is broken. We echoed “Mazel Tov!” and enjoyed one of the best receptions I’ve been to which included a chair dance, the Hora, where my cousin and his new bride were hoisted in the air. Weddings are always affirmations of my own love for my bride and the life we have thus far shared together.

With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank