Ha'Ikar, The Most Important Thing

In the Teachers Room, we were talking. It's where I get to hear what's going on in everyone's minds. And though we're all involved in education (or other jobs in the school,) our ages and backgrounds are varied. The subject suddenly became weddings, the money, the exenses. Did you guess? Many couples put more thought, care and investment into the wedding, rather than the marriage.

What is most important? It's the chupah, the ceremony.

What do we show the youngsters?

One of the great things about Israeli weddings, especially on the yishuvim, is the joy, the emphasis on sameach chattan v'kallah, and not on fancy tuxedos and ballgowns.

Recently, I've been to some very special weddings, which didn't leave me with the feeling that I had eaten much more than could ever be healthy. I certainly don't go to weddings to eat. I'm also very glad that the only "dress code" obeyed in our weddings is tzniyut, Jewish Laws of Modesty. Not even the groom needs a tuxedo; some don't even wear conventional western suits.

And an added significance of the thick veils many brides wear is to make them concentrate on the true significance of their wedding day and not be distracted by the flash and frills. In life, we're supposed to reflect, concentrate on what's important, the gifts G-d gives us, life, health, rain and what we're obligated to give in return.

Good health, Refuah Shleimah, to all... Esther bat Henya, Elkana Yedidya ben Dvora Leah, Menya Libba bat Itta Chaya, Penina bat Sofiya Zlatta and all Cholei Yisrael...