Thursday 11 June 2009

A Jewish Wedding

Some time ago I was asked to create a special wedding card for a couple who were to be married here in Israel. I know that the wedding was due to take place around the beginning of this month, so I am sure that the card has been delivered by now and that I am able to show it here on my blog.
I have tried to include a few symbolic elements in this card. The couple are dati (religious) and I hope that my illustration is meaningful to them.
In many Jewish weddings two candles are carried to escort the bride and groom to the wedding canopy, so I have shown two candlesticks and the white canopy, or chuppah, on my card. The numerical value for the Hebrew word candle (nair) has the same value as the biblical phrase in Genesis "Be fruitful and multiply." The chuppah symbolizes the new Jewish home that the couple create together. Below the candlesticks are pomegranates, or rimon fruits. Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol for righteousness, because it is said to have 613 seeds which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, of the Torah. It is also a symbol of fruitfulness. Finally, I added a white dove, the sign for peace, in the home, in the heart and in the world. The bird is represented in flight to remind us of its role as messenger.
The Hebrew greeting on the card says 'Mazal Tov (congratulations), love and lots of kisses on your marriage'.

7 comments:

Debbie said...

What a beautiful card. You have obviously put great thought and meaning into it.

Doda said...

These are lovely Lisa

Anonymous said...

this is really beautiful Lisa & all the symbols add to its special meaning, I'm sure thr receivers will treasure it.

LizzieJane said...

Beautiful card Lisa and I so enjoy hearing the meaning behind all the symbols on it, it's quite fascinating.
x

Almay Alday said...

Love your cards! I enjoy card making too, it's so fun and relaxing!

Jenny said...

Hmmmmm....I love a wedding! Makes me want to get hitched all over again!

Linda B said...

Thanks for all the great information and the cheesecake recipe.

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