We are still dancing in our hearts and minds from the beautiful wedding we celebrated just a few days ago. Our children Chavie and Chaim Hagler excitedly brought their eldest son, Tzvi, to the chuppah, as he prepared to marry Esther, the eldest daughter of Rabbi Dovid and Miriam Hirsch. This simcha joined two families who share similar values, both well-known contributors to their communities with open homes, setting examples for those whose lives they are involved with.
Frequently we hear people remarking after attending a wedding about the floral displays, the magnificent design of flowers at the chuppah and the venue that was well known for its opulence. There is no question in our minds that at this wedding people left discussing the beauty of the two families and the young couple that will now be connected for life. One could say that it is a perfect fit. The Haglers are thrilled to add another daughter to their clan. Shira, their only daughter, has been waiting for her brothers to bring home a new sister for her to finally share confidences with, and I cannot imagine that the Hirsches are not elated to bring a son into their house of women. Tzvi obtains four new sisters-in-law and Esther obtains three brothers- and a sister-in-law.
It was only a day after the engagement was announced that our daughter Chavie met with us to declare that “Naama has to be at the wedding.” Of course she was speaking of our daughter, Naama, living in Montreal with her disability of cerebral palsy. It is not so easy to bring Naama, but our family had to be together as one. Two days later, Tzvi, the chatan, came to tell us that he really “wanted to have Auntie Naama at the wedding.” These children have so much love and respect for their aunt with severe disabilities. It had to happen.
As families grow and children marry, their lives take them to different cities and places. The Hirsch family had representation from aunts and uncles, as well as cousins from Eretz Yisrael. Two of Malkie’s children, one living in St. Louis, arrived the morning of the wedding, one with his wife and baby. Shortly after, Adina, our granddaughter now living in Chicago, arrived with her two-month-old son, Yehuda, only for the day as well. Rochester cousins, all seven of them with their families, were anxious to partake and party with their cousin. We still remember them all descending upon our house in Montreal and as children and teens playing cards and games together on the floor in our living room, playing ball together, taking Chol Hamoed tiyulim together, and obviously that bond has remained over the years. Having parents who worked on being close with their siblings despite the distances certainly did not hurt. Our family always came first to each and every member.
This we are sure will continue in the lives of Esther and Tzvi, as it now carries on in the lives of their married cousins.
The atmosphere at the wedding was one of pure joy. It was seen on the faces of both sets of parents and it was shared by all of the invited guests who were truly happy to be m’sameach this couple. They emulate all they have been taught by their parents. The joy was contagious and everyone was genuinely happy.
We are grateful to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for allowing us the zechut of being at our grandchildren’s weddings. Years ago it was rare that grandparents had the opportunity to partake in such family simchas. We wish for everyone who has not yet had such an experience that one day they, too, will walk down the aisle at such an occasion. This wedding will not be remembered for its accoutrements (although they were lovely) as much as for the genuine pure delight in celebrating with two such special families.
By Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick
