The order seems incorrect since first the act of kiddushin must transpire, and only afterward may the chuppah take effect.

Early sources tell us that this is not referring to the transaction between the chosson and kallah, but rather a reference to the bond of 'marriage' that was created between G-d and His bride, the Jewish people, at Mount Sinai.

The 'Chuppah' noted here was 'the mountain that was held over them like a barrel', which was the veritable canopy they stood under becoming His bride.

This event — the Chuppah of Mount Sinai — indeed preceded the subsequent giving of the Shnei Luchos — the Two Tablets — which was the symbolic act of Kiddushin, and thus chronologically recorded correctly in this blessing.

But wasn't the suspending of the mountain over their heads a scare tactic employed to coax them into accepting the Torah, otherwise, G-d intimated it would drop like an anvil upon them burying them on that very spot?

Could this be the paradigm for the Chuppah our children so lovingly stand under on their most joyous day? This frightening imagery of that first encounter under a marriage canopy, with its implication of 'do or die', seems at odds with our conception of a canopy that hovers over our children with divine protection.

The renowned and illustrious Rosh Yeshiva (formerly) of Yeshivas Sefas Emes, Rav Shaul Alter, suggests that G-d was not simply threatening them with this mountain precariously positioned above them.

A person can go on living life distracted, unfocused, and deluded into thinking one can simply traipse through life paying one's dues with half-attention yet continue to indulge in temporal pleasures and pursuits. When facing a life-threatening situation, though, suddenly reality sets in. It jolts us into wizening up in re-evaluating what our priorities have been, and where we have squandered so many possibilities for personal growth. It is a catalyst to appreciate the opportunities G-d offers us that are the sole instruments for true happiness.

It was not fear but a 'reality shock' that was the objective of this precious moment, that would hopefully knock us to our senses in committing to a more purposeful life.

I recently had the privilege to speak under the Chuppah for a remarkable young couple.

Trying to offer words of blessing and encouragement to the new couple, I struggled to find the balance between the sadness we are living through as a nation, and the joyous beginning of the journey of a young couple.

I present my message to them here, with the belief that it encapsulates the profound connection with the first chuppah in history, and the personal one every chosson and kallah happily stand under.

The joy on the night of one's wedding often seems like it will never end.

The truth is it is at this moment that one's past, present, and future merge into a capsule of eternity.

Standing under the Chuppah with your parents, grandparents — and as the Zohar reveals —the holy neshamos of those departed ancestors who join with you as well, they are all here rooting for your success in this holiest of missions as you begin your journey towards eternity.

Facing the reality of your mortality you hope to continue the marvelous legacy of your exceptional families that goes back to Har Sinai, the Avos and Imahos, and to Adam and Chavah, in bringing children and generations infused with their spirit.

We are each defined by the times we live in and how we face the challenges that are posed to prod us toward greatness.

As a war rages in our holy land, threatening our people, with tragic loss of life, horrific casualties, and our brothers and sisters being held hostage, we must share in the pain.

That reality, though, must not stifle your joy tonight. On the contrary, as we appreciate the preciousness of life when grieving over its loss, we — who are fortunate to live and thrive — are even more compelled to relish that privilege and responsibility, in assuring that we live our lives with an even greater focus and with evermore enthused meaning and purpose.

In a now famous letter written by Master Sergeant (res.) Rabbi Elkana Vizel hy"d, before falling in battle in Gaza, he expresses this notion so poignantly.

"When a soldier falls in battle it's sad. But I ask of you, be happy. Don't be sad when you part from me."

He goes on to give the greatest advice for an elevated life, and certainly a most vital message for a fresh Chosson and Kallah.

"Sing a lot, hold each other's hands, and support each other.

"We have so much to be happy about and proud of. We are the generation of redemption! We are writing about the most significant moments in the history of our nation and the entire world. So please be optimistic. Continue choosing life constantly. Lives of love, hope, purity, and optimism. Look at those dear to you in the white of their eyes and remind them that everything they go through in life is worth it and they have a lot to live for."

It is every couple's responsibility to utilize their G-d granted talents to spread the joy of life — as reflected from a home filled with Hashem's love — to a world so in need of sanity and happiness.

You have what it takes.

As life moves on it is easy to detour from the original and inspired path. The awareness of your mortality — and the need during your lives, to create your own legacy, that will be carried unto eternity, through the purposeful deeds and accomplishments you will leave behind, and the children you will be blessed with — is the best tool we possess, to insure we stay focused and not stray.

Many soldiers who have perished in the war, have left letters to be opened to their families, upon their untimely deaths.

There has been a common theme in all of them. They feared not death, knowing their ultimate sacrifice will be worth it. They all encouraged their loved ones to go and live lives filled with joy and a sense of mission. They lived in reality.

We must absorb the pain of their loss and transform their idealism into a greater devotion and focus on our personal missions.

We are enjoined to remember each day the great revelation of the Giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

Perhaps within that recollection is an imperative to shock ourselves each day into reality. There is an inevitable mountain suspended over our heads — we are mortal. We are not here forever. We have a mission. We can create 'eternity' in the choices we make every day. May those who have given the ultimate sacrifice be elevated by our being inspired by them, to live, as they did, lives of enthusiastic devotion to G-d, His Torah, His land, and His people.

In that merit may we see the prophecy of Yeshayahu fulfilled soon in our days.

וּפְדוּיֵ֨י ד' יְשׁוּב֗וּן — And the redeemed of the Lord shall return, וּבָ֚אוּ צִיּוֹן֙— and they shall come to Zion with song,וְשִׂמְחַ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם  — and [with] everlasting joy on their heads; שָׂשׂ֚וֹן וְשִׂמְחָה֙ —  gladness and joy shall overtake them; יָג֥וֹן וַֽאֲנָחָֽה — sorrow and sighing shall flee.

אהבה,

צבי יהודה טייכמאן