Because weddings at Temple Emanu-El take place in the midst of the congregation, and because witnessing the vows is a necessary part of legalizing the marriage, I designed an expansive form that brings the congregation also under the chuppah.

The Hebrew phrase, with lettering style inspired by Ben Shahn, means “Blessed is the Lord who causes the Bride and Groom to rejoice.”

Triangular elements are present in architectural details, such as the rose window and lecterns. But primarily these ‘sails’ are a tribute to the passionate yachtsman in whose memory the chuppah was commissioned.

A prominent Toronto sailmaker taught me how to cut and stucture the sails, and sold me lots of expensive marine hardware. The chuppah is literally hoisted into place in seconds with 3 turnbuckles attached to a single cord.