The Chuppah
The Chuppah (or Huppah) is the Jewish wedding canopy, and the word translates literally to "that which covers or floats above." This covering has a great deal of spiritual importance, and it is believed that this structure is the sign of g-d's presence at the wedding. It is also symbolic of the home that we will create together within our community.

One way that this tradition is expressed is to have four individuals hold up the chuppah poles, and they represent the entirety of the community that helps the couple create a home. Because you are all so important to us, we are asking you all to help us build our "home." We will be placing a basket of flowers and a basket of papers by the door as you enter the room where we will be married. Please write us a note, or take a flower, and place it onto the chuppah. In the alternative, if you would like to bring something special with you to the ceremony, such as a photograph, drawing or token, please feel free to bring it to the wedding and add it to the chuppah. In this way, each guest will have a hand in helping us to begin to build our home together.

The Shtick
At Jewish weddings, tradition dictates that the bride and groom be treated like royalty. As a result, many wedding guests feel they are duty-bound to entertain their "king" and "queen" with music, dancing and shtick. Shtick is a vaudevillian affair, which can include the use of all kinds of props, from silly hats to hula hoops to items that directly relate to the lives the the bride and groom. No guest is required to come prepared to perform, but anyone who would like to is welcome. One caveat: there is a Philadelphia ordinance against open flames in hotel ballrooms. So for those of you who wanted to set headgear afire, you'll have to keep that, so to speak, under your hat. But no matter what, we invite all of you to dance!

Charity
Charity, or tsedakah in Hebrew, is an extremely important element in a Jewish home. Both of us come from homes with a strong tradition of charitable giving, and we would like to continue that tradition in our own household. If you would like to donate to a charitable cause in our names, we would like to suggest the following:

• American Cancer Society
• Alzheimer's Association
• Women's American ORT click on the link labeled "Join Us!" Please ask that the donation be earmarked specifically for Women's American ORT.

Wedding info || Jewish stuff || Visiting Philadelphia || Paige and David || Audience participation