Chuppah - The Wedding Canopy

A natural look for both traditional and non-traditional weddings.

The traditional Jewish marriage canopy is known as 'the Chuppah'. It represents the first home that the newly married couple is creating. It is open on all sides to recall the tent of the biblical Abraham, a symbol of hospitality. Abraham and Sarah had doors on all four sides of their dwelling so that visitors would all know that they were welcome.

HAND HELD CHUPPAH
During the sixteenth century, the hand held chuppah came in fashion, as many wedding ceremonies were held outdoors in the marketplace. It served as a sacred space to perform the ceremony while the community surrounds the chuppah. Under the chuppah stood the bride and groom with the rabbi. Their immediate families stood along side them.

The chuppah should be a temporary, handmade structure. It is a great honor to be asked to be one of the four pole bearers. The honored guests represent the community that is part of the couples support system, as they establish their new home. Many times the chuppah becomes part of the processional, with pole bearers displaying the chuppah as they walk down the aisle.

Our handheld chuppah has bamboo poles were selected by the Rabbi from the garden of his friend who brings the Dalai Llama to San Francisco annually. We view the Dalai Llama as one of the thirty - six righteous leaders upon whom the preservations of the planet depends. Many couples love using these poles that stand for peace and harmony for all people.

Our chuppah coverings are handmade using delicate sari material. Their simple and elegant design are constructed to withstand winds up to 40 mph.
Floral decorations and custom work is available for an extra fee.

STATIONARY CHUPPAH

For those couples who prefer a stationary chuppah, we have designs in both birch or bamboo poles. Securely fashioned to withstand wind. We can work with you to customize your canopy design.

Please contact Yehudit for more info such as pricing and specifications via email- yehuditsc@gmail.com

Happy Passover

Matzo in Short Supply for Bay Area Passover
San Francisco -- The talk at Passover tables this weekend wasn't just about Moses leading Jews out of slavery. Jews also discussed the shortage of matzo.

Around the region, grocery stores reported having completely run out of their supplies of the essential staple for Passover, the weeklong observance that began Saturday evening.
read more:

Passover on YouTube
Who let the Jews Out!

23 Month Old sings The Four Questions

Ever Wonder How Matzo is Made?
A trip through the Aviv matzo factory in Israeli.

What to do with leftover matzo?
If you happen to have any extra matzo this year, here is a 2 minute video short with a couple of funny ideas by Michelle Citrin.

Japanese Matzo Tip

Ask An Interfaith Rabbi

Are Jewish interfaith marriages traditional?
Jewish interfaith marriages are as traditional as a wedding when both partners are Jewish. There were times in Jewish history, such as the time of the Conquest of Canaan, when inter-tribal, interfaith marriages were not only discouraged but outright prohibited. There were other times, such as during the Patriarchal Period and during the Persian Period, when interfaith marriages were permitted, as with Hagar (an Egyptian), Ruth (a Moabitess), Tamar (a Canaanitess), and in Persia between Esther and King Ahasheverosh.

Marriage License Information for San Francisco Bay Area

What are the guidelines for obtaining a marriage license?
Each state has different laws & requirements. Remember that you must purchase your marriage certificate in the state where the ceremony takes place. Check with the laws of the state or country in which you are getting married for details. Contact the county clerk or registrar where you are planning your wedding for details at least 30 days in advance. Officiants can not marry you without seeing the official license prior to the ceremony. Some officiants require you show them id, as well. Check with your officiant.

How do we obtain a marriage license in the state of California?
Your license can be obtained at any county clerks office throughout the state, up to 90 days prior to your ceremony. Both partners must be present and bring valid identification. Been married before, documentation of divorce or death certificate required [each county has different requirements].
California county clerks offices are open Monday through Friday.
In California, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old. Residency and blood tests are not required. There is no waiting period to obtain the license, which is valid for 90 days.

If we live in another state and are planning on getting married in California, do we need to have a California license or can we purchase one in the state we live?
If you live in another state, you still must purchase a California Marriage License to be married in the state of California. This holds true for other states as well. Marriage licenses are issued by the state not by the federal government.

Getting married in San Francisco?
Make your appointment at city hall online: