The Chuppah (חֻפָּה)

The Jewish ceremony itself is held under the Chuppah, a Hebrew word for “canopy”. This can be stationary and supported by a semi-permanent structure. However, the traditional Chuppah is usually made of a tallit supported by four hand-held poles. 

The word “Chuppah” is synonymous with the Jewish wedding itself. A traditional Jewish blessing of children is: “May you grow to stand under the Chuppah.”

Since this kind of structure is open in all directions, it symbolizes both the hearts and the home of the bride and groom. The rabbi blesses the Bride and Groom saying, “Just as the Chuppah is open to all directions, so shall the home and the hearts of the wedding couple shall be open to those in need.”