Sophie and Elliott Wedding

y second cousin Sophie married New Yorker Elliott Offit in a mixed-faith ceremony in the Hammersky vineyards of Paso Robles, California. Many important themes from the Jewish and Catholic traditions were combined in the ritual, but most especially that of hospitality, so suited for the lives and extended families of this Australian and American couple.

The ‘huppah’ – under which the ceremony was conducted – derives from the tent of Abraham and Sarah, and is open on four sides welcoming all from the north, south, east and west. It’s rustic fragility, a reminder that the home is found not in strength of fabric but in the strength of hearts within

The ‘something old and something new’ was also well epitomised in the setting – with the ceremony taking place in a natural amphitheatre, surrounded by recent vineyard plantings amidst ancient oaks, which give the area its name – “El Paso de Robles” – The Place of the Oaks.

Rabbi Janice officiated with Sophie’s family friend, Fr Paul joining her, and thus bringing an Australian presence and Catholic gift to the ritual celebration.

The Marriage Ceremony of Elliott and Sophie (1 minute 55 seconds video)