Jewish weddings are important historical milestones. Aside from the religious and legal unions, the events brought together extended families near and far. They merged Jews of differing social and geographic origins, and brought stability and resources to individuals struggling to become established in the new world.

      Early Jewish weddings in Southern Alberta came about in a variety of ways. Many were the culmination of engagements in Europe, and delayed by the emigration of one partner. Some were arranged by relatives, an orthodox tradition that soon lost its force in the Canadian West. A few were the work of matchmakers, and one or two resulted simply from lonely bachelors placing, or answering, ads in Yiddish newspapers.

      Many more weddings, however, were modern, new-world affairs. Marriageable Jews met, courted and were wed, first at large homes or in synagogues, and later in rented halls and ballrooms.

      All the weddings portrayed here enjoyed the communality of Jewish tradition - a Rabbi, a chupah, a glass shattered to commemorate historic tragedies. All celebrated love, family and hope.