Sanctification unpacked

Unpacking the last pouch of my travel bag I laughed. I had packed a swimming costume for our trip to Jo'burg. Not a sock for me or the kids nor a single pair of fleesey PJ's. Having grown up in the city I surely should have anticipated an Autumn chill in the air. Fortunately it was warmish in the sun and not too bitter in the evenings so I could enjoy all three dresses I'd taken along to wear for the various wedding celebrations.

My younger brother, or "The Child Bride" as he referred to himself in his speech, gave us great reason and many an opportunity to celebrate during our festivity-filled week. The numerous events were a great way to get to know the very special family Brent's married into as well as the insanely divine doctor he has brought into ours.

Vikki, the actual bride (four years my brother's senior), was not the only gal to get a new name in the week of joyousness. Here's what happened:- We woke early on Saturday in my old bedroom, my brother in his and my sister and her family in her old room downstairs. All of us in the house this way is when my parents are most content and that morning they were filled with happiness, if not slightly torn knowing my brother's time in the family home was all but up.

Shul followed, once we could all make our way there, with the Aufruf (ancient tradition of groom blessing the Torah at the Sabbath service before the wedding) taking centre stage, ending with the obligatory candy throwing and a brocha (more food!). The day turned even more meaningful when Baby M somehow arranged for herself to have her Hebrew naming ceremony in Mincha (afternoon prayer). I know outwardly it might have seemed like myself, the Rabbi's wife and Robbie were responsible for making that happen, but Miks is quite legendary already for making things happen for herself! Mincha was moved earlier so that everyone there could be apart of it and we gave her the Hebrew name Michal.

"Michal (Hebrew: מיכל‎) was a daughter of Saul, king of Israel, who loved and became the wife of David, (1 Samuel 18:20-27) who later became king of Judah, and later still of the united Kingdom of Israel". [source]

It couldn't have worked out better- it was so organic and unforced and special and warm and best of all; my family were all there.

Of course what followed that day and beyond was more dancing, more food, more spiritual words spoken and more holy prophesies realized. Most notably under the Chuppah when Brent and Vikki became husband and wife.

Mazeltov!