Incorporating the Huppah or Wedding Canopy into Your Jewish or Interfaith Wedding

The Huppah is a beautiful Jewish tradition that allows the bride and groom to symbolize the merging of two lives as one, under one roof or in this case one tent.

The Huppah: History.
The Huppah is a canopy or tent and it typically has four opened sides held up by four poles that are either held up by friends or freestanding and decorated with flowers. The canopy itself is often times made out of beautiful fabric such as silk or it can be patch worked together like a quilt. In this case each piece is often times beautifully decorated with sayings, scripture and artwork that symbolizes the couples union.

The history of the Huppah comes from the Torah. It stems from the father of Judaism, Abraham. The Abrahamic covenant between Abraham and God is represented in this Jewish tradition. Scripture states the Abraham had a tent that was opened on all for sides to welcome guests from any direction into the comforts of his home and hospitality. Ancient Rabbi's compare the Huppah tradition of merging two families to the tent of Abraham. This tradition historically represents merging two families into one with open hospitality and the welcoming of everyone.

Incorporating Huppah Tradition Into A Jewish Or Interfaith Wedding.
In current Jewish ceremonies the wedding typically takes place under the Huppah. All of the other Jewish traditions typically take place under the wedding canopy. This tradition is still very common in Jewish wedding ceremonies and can also be incorporated into interfaith wedding ceremonies.

Where To Get A Huppah.
Many couples that are marrying in a Synagogue have the option of using the Huppah that belongs to the synagogue. However, if the couple is not getting married in a synagogue they can rent a Huppah from a Jewish bookstore. Many couples also speak to the Rabbi or Cantor performing the wedding ceremony to see if there is a Huppah available that they can use or rent. The third option is to have a Huppah made professionally or by family members that the couple can keep after the ceremony. This is often a wonderful option because it can become an heirloom that can be handed down to many generations to come. The bride and groom can also check with Jewish family members to see if there is a Huppah in the family that can be used for the ceremony.

What If We Are Not Marrying In A Synagogue?
Considering that the Huppah is a wedding canopy or beautiful tent, this time honored tradition can be used in almost any ceremonial setting as a beautiful backdrop to the ceremony. Using the Huppah in an outdoor wedding or at a location that needs some dressing up is a wonderful option.