A letter to Dalia and Daniel…

Today, I find myself with the privilege of sharing some reflections on Dalia and Daniel's incredible journey together. Picture this: two young hearts, each beating to its own rhythm, growing up just two streets apart in Thornhill. But their paths did not cross until they both landed at the University of Ottawa Medical School. Because of course, they wanted to add a little suspense and anticipation to their story.

As I gaze upon Dalia and Daniel, the dynamics of their relationship remind me that love is not just about the grand gestures and the sweeping romantic moments. It's also about those little quirks and idiosyncrasies that make us who we are.

With these monetary and emotional commitments in place, it now allows for Daniel and Dalia to truly connect with each other, to truly trust each other. It allows for them to lose themselves in their relationship.

Daniel, do you take upon yourself the responsibility to provide for Dalia physically, financially, and emotionally?

Yes!

This is a very significant moment. Dalia, our rabbis tell us that when Daniel takes the veil and places it over you, he is saying to you that he is committed to everything that you embody. He commits to love and nurture you and to take care of you not only materially but emotionally and spiritually as well. The Kabbalah says that when the groom places a veil on the bride's head, there is a flow of spiritual energy that comes down and gives you, Dalia, the ability and strength for the rest of your life.

Once upon a time, there were two souls in heaven that were best friends. Not only were they best friends, they were actually two halves of one soul. And for the past few decades, they have both met many, many people. They spent time with them, they became friends with them, they celebrated with them, but both of them knew it wasn't that best friend. And then the two of you met, and it wasn't long before you realized this was it. This was my best friend in heaven. This is the second half of my soul that I haven't seen for so many years.

So tonight, we celebrate not the union of Dalia and Daniel, but rather the reunion of these two special people, these two halves of one soul, as they enter into the covenant of marriage. We are very honoured to be standing here tonight, and we look forward to a lifetime of friendship with the two of you and to watching the future you build together. I would like to conclude by blessing you both with a long life together filled with much love, joy, and success in everything that you do.

[Hebrew]

The moment we have all been waiting for: break the glass.

I wanted to tell the story of how Dalia and I met. What I imagine is there's two grandmothers, Bubbe Pearl and Grandma Susie, and they live in the same apartment building. So I think they met maybe in the hallway to the elevator, and I think that's when they started to hatch a plan. So, another few months ahead, I was introduced to Dalia by a classmate and said, "Oh, you're Dalia. My Bubbe told me I needed to ask you out for coffee."

I thought this was just a creative pickup line, not serious. Kudos to him, like wow, what a creative pickup line. Okay.

Shortly after that, we started dating, and here we are. And I look forward to creating many more happy memories in the years to come.

Dalia makes sure that Daniel goes to gourmet restaurants and expands his diet. She taught him how to be an early riser with her five a.m. surgery days. She's taught him multitasking—it is possible to watch TV while also playing three games simultaneously on your iPad. And most of all, she taught him not to question her—she's definitely smarter and always right.

It has been so beautiful to see you two grow as a couple, and we are so excited for you to start your journey together.