Question of the Week:

 
Why is there a Chuppah at a Jewish wedding? Is it so important? What does it symbolize?
 
Answer:
 
Marriage is the union of man and woman. What a silly idea!

Male and female are opposites, and the thought that they can become one is absurd. You can't take opposites and make them work together. It's impossible.
 
Impossible, that is, unless you do one thing: find something that encompasses both of them. An energy that can include opposites can unite opposites. And the only energy that can include opposites is divine energy. Only G-d, who is beyond any confines, can do the impossible and bring together opposites. Only G-d, the source of male and female, can unite male and female. And so only G-d can create a marriage.
 
The word Chuppah means an envelopment. It represents the divine presence that hovers above bride and groom to unite them. Because man and woman can only truly become one if they dedicate themselves to something bigger than the both of them. When two people unite for a common higher cause, when they share a goal that lies beyond self, then they are able to transcend the differences between them and become one.
 
Of course a relationship needs to have chemistry, and biology and physics too. But what will keep it together is metaphysics - shared spiritual values and a common sense of divine purpose. With G-d as a partner in the marriage, you will be standing under the Chuppah for a lifetime.
 
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Moss

To subscribe email rabbimoss@nefesh.com.au

 

 

 

Marriage Preparation Course at Nefesh

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- Jewish wisdom on relationships

- The meaning behind the wedding ceremony

- The Power of the Mikvah

- Spiritual guide to love and marriage

- A deeper look at men and women

 

Three Tuesday nights, January 31st, February 7th and 14th

8:00 - 9:30pm at 128 Wellington St Bondi.

 

Course cost: $150 per couple (free for Nefesh members), includes separate Mikvah class for brides

 

To register please click HERE or email office@nefesh.com.au

NEFESH SERVICES - 54 Roscoe St Bondi Beach 

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Friday night

Candlelighting 7:52pm (not before 6:40pm)

 

Mincha 6:10pm

 

6:30pm Shabbos Service followed by Kiddush sponsored by Michelle Brenner in honour of the Yarzeit of her Father Alexander Brenner, the Yarzeit of Stella Cornelius and the recent passing of George Keen - Long Life.

 

Shabbos day

9am Class on Weekly Parsha

10am -12:15pm Morning Service with Kids' program sponsored anonymously on occassion of a birthday - Mazal Tov!

Kiddush in honour of the Call-ups and upcoming weddings of Greg Weinstein and Leah Kleinlehrer, and Jesse Meguedeche and Rachel Roussos - Mazal Tov!

Shiur 6:55pm 

Mincha 7:55pm followed by Seudah Shlishis and Maariv

Shabbos ends 8:53pm

 

Sunday

8am Shachris followed by breakfast and shiur in honour of the consecration of Mr Ewaz Barukh z"l 9:00-9:45am

 

Monday and Thursday

Shachris 7am followed by Chassidus The Spiritual Meaning of Animal Sacrifice - Basi Legani 5712 8am-8:45am