Under the Chuppah made by her mother Marlyn Butchins. Camilla was married to Amit Sadot by Rabbi Dov Vogel Hod v'Hadar Masorti Congregration, Kfar Saba.

I am standing under the chuppah that I have so lovingly been sewing for six weeks, watching my daughter, Camilla, and her husband, Amit walk through the garden towards me. I can’t stop crying. It is one of the most emotional moments in my life. My first child is getting married and will stand under this canopy to declare to her husband, and he to her, the commitments they aspire to uphold in their future life together. Every minute I sewed I thought of their happiness in finding one another; about what marriage and commitment means; the fulfillment of love; and finding your soul mate.

I thought of our family coming to Israel 22 years ago and now my children are making their choices and putting down their own roots. I look around at my close family and friends, our new family and their family and friends, and I cry some more. My husband takes my hand, my younger daughter holds my other hand, and we weep for joy at this most special moment in our lives.

The chuppah is simple – Camilla did not want anything “fancy” and no Magen Davids. I chose a beautiful piece of fabric for the center panel and around it, appliquéd the blessing and a vine of fruits from the bible. I especially thought about pomegranates – all the seeds which symbolized fertility and mitzvot. I thought about the bounty of fruit we get in Israel and their sweetness. I wanted a continuous line for the vine. Amit’s mother chose the blessing that stood over her son and his chosen partner:

כעץ שתול על פלגי מים, אשר פריו יתן בעתו

ועלהו לא יבול, וכל אשר יעשה יצליח

תהילים, פרק א' פסוק ג'

Like a tree that grows beside a stream, that bears fruit in its season,
            and whose leaves to not wither, so will they succeed in everything they do.

Psalms 1 Verse 3

While working on the chuppah, I started thinking about its origins and why it was one of the central traditions at Jewish weddings. It seemed to me to be taken somewhat for granted, so I decided to do some research:

Its origins and symbolism go back to ancient times. Marriage ceremonies in the Middle Ages customarily took place outdoors, and to make a space separate from the surrounding market-place, the rabbis sanctioned the use of a chuppah.

The original meaning of the word was “room” or “covering” from the phrase in the Bible: “Let the bridegroom go forth from his chamber and the bride out of her pavilion (chuppah).” (Joel 2:16)

The chuppah symbolizes the new Jewish home that the couple creates together. Some schools of thought claim it is reminiscent of Abraham’s tent with four open sides through which guests could enter from any direction. The new couple is thus encouraged to be just as hospitable.

Similarly, the tradition holds that the poles and cloth of the chuppah are the natural legacy of the portable Mishkan, created by the ancient Hebrews as they wandered in the desert, as a first home for G-d’s presence. The rich tapestries and beams used to create the Mishkan give rise to the notion that a chuppah should be as beautiful as possible.

The open sides of the chuppah tell the newlyweds that standing with them at that moment, and throughout their lives, are all those who came before and all those who will follow, and their spirit and love will strengthen and sustain them.

No wonder the marriage ceremony is so stirring and emotional. Every parent who stands with their child at such a moment feels, as I did, touched by G-d and privileged to have reached this milestone. An overwhelming tide of emotion sweeps over me. No matter what the level of one’s faith or observance, the connection of one’s own life with an eternal faith and an eternal people, with our ancestors and with our future descendants, inevitably brings fulfillment and tears of joy.

Yes indeed – this is one of the most special projects I have ever worked on.