Sunday, January 11, 2009

Just a thought....

As some of you know, I try to attend classes about Judaism and Jewish history as often as possible because it is really important to me to regain the traditions that my family lost while living in Russia where practicing Judaism was illegal. This past week I went to a lecture about the 5 levels of happiness by one of my favorite Rabbis (yep thats right, I am his groupie.. I go to all of his classes).  He mentioned something that I have been rolling around in my brain. He said that a person may attain a brief (as in momentary) glimpse of the highest level of happiness while standing under the chuppah (translation of chuppah = the jewish wedding canopy).
  

This of course made me think of what it would feel like to gaze at the Big Guy while we are standing under the chuppah, which gave me the good kind of fluttery feeling up and down my skin. Not only is it a hugely emotional moment but it is also something which many of my family members never got to experience. By simply standing under a cloth with the man I love, I am giving life to traditions that were denied to so many people I love. Thinking about it makes my skin feel warm, as if it is glowing with a gentle light. If standing there will make me even partially as happy as I feel just thinking about it, then 5th level of happiness, here I come.


"In our tradition, celebration of life is more important than mourning over the dead. When a wedding procession encounters a funeral procession in the street, the mourners must halt so as to allow the wedding party to proceed. Surely you know what respect we show our dead, but a wedding, a symbol of life and renewal, a symbol of promise too, takes precedence."
- Elie Wiesel

7 comments:

Hannah said...

So you get to carry out this tradition? I'm happy for you! It sounds like it will be a very special moment for you and your whole family! =)

Krista said...

I bet at least a couple of your family members will have a tear in your eye. And, maybe for those fleeting moments, they will also feel that intense happiness, that same feeling of pure love and joy that you and your boy are feeling at that moment.

AmyJean {Relentless Bride®} said...

I like that saying... to celebrate life... over mourning death. I think in a way, funerals can celebrate the life of the one just lost instead of only mourning... and i try to use that as comfort during rough times! :)

RelentlessBride

JennyLee said...

This post made my skin tingle. I love that you are re-awakening the traditions in your family!

Chicago Wedding Photojournalist said...

ok - now we're talking "Make Love Real" material - I think it's time for a phonecall...

Mrs. Hot Cocoa said...

I love this post. Who is this rabbi you're stalking? I think I'd like him/her.

Bridechka said...

Thanks to everyone for commenting :)

Hot Cocoa, I think you would like him big time. He is hilarious, insightful, totally non-judgy of all of my stupid questions, and best of all, British (the accent is just straight up awesome).