HASSIDIC HUPAH IN TIMES SQUARE

Yesterday, I had the privilege to be a guest at the first Hassidic Hupah in Times Square. Let me tell you, it was unreal. Most people dream of doing something big, something different and unique but when it comes down to it, it never ends up really being practical. These people clearly didn't over think it. They just did it. (Nike😉 ) 

It was 5pm, and the rain had stopped in perfect timing for the hupah ceremony to begin. The canopy was up, the MC directing through his microphone, the Rabbis taking their turn to recite the blessings. The guests crowding around the canopy, each trying to get closer than the other, phones were up in the air trying to capture this once in a lifetime moment. 

The bystanders were in awe, shock, speechless- you name it! They also had their phones out and many questions flashing through their minds as they watched this mysterious spectacular event. More and more people crowded around, tourists, journalists, children, families from all walks of earth. 

Then, one lady approached me, puzzled she asked in regards to the veil the bride wore on her head " So when does she take that off?", "Has she ever seen his face?" ,"Does she know who she's getting married to, or is this the first time they are seeing each other?". Swallowing all her questions without chewing on them, I had to choose how to answer her quickly and efficiently as to how the entire dating and marriage process works in Hassidic Judaism, and also specifically within Chabad Hassidism. 

I explained to her the whole shidduch process, and that mainly men and women date in order to get married not simply for the sake of dating. "It isn't so far off from the modern world," I told her. "They have a say as to who they're getting married to. It isn't like the olden days where the father chose a husband for the wife."

She asked more questions about this sect and Judaism as a whole, and was truly amazed. 

This was only a snippet of a part of the wedding, yet it taught me so much. Am Yisrael Chai, we are truly one. In the midst of the most popular and busiest place in the world, Times Square, New York, stood Jews and non-jews alike. Yet I felt such a closeness to the guests even though I didn't know most of them. This is because we share one thing in common, and there is no need for explanation. We just know.