MARIUPOL, Ukraine – On March 7, the Jewish community of Mariupol hosted a very special event – a traditional Jewish wedding. This wedding was the first traditional Jewish wedding held in the city in over 70 years. From beginning to end, the wedding was in keeping with Jewish customs and Jewish law. For most local Jews, this was the first traditional Jewish wedding that they ever attended.

The bride and groom – David and Sarah Revenyuk – are both students of the STARS youth program run by the Jewish community of Mariupol. Chief Rabbi of Mariupol Menachem Mendel Cohen officiated at the wedding. Yisroel Nemirovsky, an active organizer of STARS in Lugansk, was given an honor at the Chupah.

The music and dancing lasted until late in the evening. The new couple and their guests celebrated with true simcha.

The solemnity of the ceremony under the Chupah, followed by the unmitigated rejoicing of the couple and their guests, left an indelible impression on everyone present. It is hoped that the wedding will inspire other couples in Mariupol and beyond to also sanctify their marriage at a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony.