Hope you had a great holiday.

…Sarah. Abraham’s wife.

The first matriarch of the Jewish People.

She passes away in the city of Hebron. (Genesis, 23)

… Sometimes we say about someone, “They will live on…”

And special people are remembered for generations.

But then there’s someone like Sarah.

Who achieves what very few others do.

She’s remembered for thousands of years!

And inspires people until today.

… Let’s talk weddings!

It puts everyone in a great mood!

Sarah is remembered at a Jewish wedding.

Think of the Chuppah. The Jewish wedding canopy.

A symbolic home.

Just four poles. No walls.

We’re told that it should remind the new couple of Sarah’s home.

It was open on all sides.

Guests were always welcome.

So at the happiest time of their lives, they’re reminded.

Their home has to include others.

… There’s also a tradition for the bride to walk around the groom seven times.

Because a Jewish home should be open.

But there are limits.

… Sometimes there are things around us that don’t belong in a Jewish home.

Things that make us less sensitive. Less committed to Jewish values.

And less conscious of the spiritual potential that we have.

The Jewish home needs to be protected!

… Jewish tradition credits Sarah with preserving the sanctity of Abraham’s home.

And has always had faith in Jewish women to do the same.

Because they’ve been inspired by Sarah.

And have inherited her spiritual sensitivity.

… So the bride remembers Sarah.

And circles around the groom.

Creating a symbolic wall to protect her home.

… Sarah is one of the earliest examples of what we all know (or should know) to be true.

Behind every great man is a great woman!

All the best,