Message from Rabbi Small:
What a Shavua it was here in Jerusalem. Gabrielle and Eyal were wed Thursday night in a heartfelt and joyful ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Ein Hemed celebration center just outside of Jerusalem. Debbie and I walked Gabrielle down the aisle. I spoke to bride and groom under the Huppa and family friend Rabbi Aytan Kadden of Jerusalem performed the ceremony. Family members chanted the Seven Blessings and a Yemenite wedding hymn was chanted. Eyal's friends, stellar musicians (as is Eyal) formed a band specially for the simcha. Their talent and spirited playing elevated the ceremony. The band accompanied several hours of dancing to traditional Jewish simcha songs, contemporary Israeli tunes and American Jazz, Rock, Blues and Funk. A vegetarian feast was enjoyed by all.
This was an unforgettable experience that continued throughout Shabbat Hatan, as Eyal's family welcomed our entire extended family into their home for a Yemenite Shabbat feast prepared by Eyal's mother Ruchama and many family members.There was singing, a few speeches and much animated conversation. A further celebration of the simcha took place at the Salomons' local synagogue, Tiferet Yisrael Shai Agnon during Shabbat morning services. Eyal and his father Marcel had aliyot to the Torah. Their Rabbi Zemel blessed the bride and groom and both families and spoke with feeling of Eyal's grandparents and the Salomon family's long history in the congregation. This was a true weaving together of the families with tremendous love and spirit.
Debbie and I are grateful for all the love, good wishes and support that have emanated from our home community in Greater Hartford. We send our very best to The Emanuel Family!
Warm regards,
David
Rabbi David J. Small