metro

I Do, Again

Four Jewish couples renew their vows in a touching ceremony.

F

our Jewish couples renewed their
wedding vows after a week of
matrimonial celebrations at the
Park at Trowbridge, a Brookdale-managed
senior living community in Southfield.
The week included a Hawaiian-style bach-
elor/bachelorette party, couples' bridal tea
party, rehearsal walkthrough and culmi-
nated with a wedding vow ceremony and
evening reception.
More than 150 people enjoyed the
celebration, including Southfield Mayor
Brenda Lawrence and Oak Park Mayor
Marian McClellan. Three rabbis were
on hand: Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg of
Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy, and
Rabbis David Nelson and A. Irving
Schnipper, both of the Jewish Hospice
and Chaplaincy Network.
During the festivities, Charles and
Beatrice Eder, married for 67 years,
renewed their vows with Rabbi Schnipper,
the same rabbi that performed their 50th
anniversary ceremony.
Harold and Marilyn Lesse were mar-
ried 64 years ago in their rabbi's office
with no one in attendance. This time
around, the Lesses chose to have their
grandchildren, Nathaniel and Noah Pyzik,
escort them down the aisle while playing
the violin and clarinet to perfection. After
their bubby and zayde completed their
vows, they went to the piano to play and
sing a Jewish celebration song.
Bernice and Jackie Gill's daughter,
Sandee Penn, stood up during the cer-
emony to recite a lovely poem that Jackie
wrote to Bernice before he asked her
to marry him more than 64 years ago.
Everyone welled up with tears when they
heard those tender words meant for his
then bride-to-be.
The Weinbergs' love story has been going
on all their lives. They met when they were
only 8 years old. Larry said he knew Faye
was the girl for him when he saw her make
a home run. They have been married for 67
years.
"This day proved that love and romance
are not only for the young; said Rabbi
Nelson, who was charmed by watching the
grooms kiss their brides throughout the
ceremonies — not waiting until the end.
"The whole day was a love story, and each
couple got to tell their story by standing
there holding hands surrounded by family"
A highlight of the day was Southfield
Mayor Brenda Lawrence surprising every-
one by singing to the crowd at the closing
of the ceremonies.
The event was inspired by Sarah
Reynolds, senior care coordinator, and

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July 11 • 2013

Bernice and Jackie Gill with Rabbi David Nelson

Faye and Larry Weinberg with

Rabbi David Nelson

Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg performs the
ceremony for Marilyn and Harold Lesse

Charles and Beatrice Eder with
Rabbi A. Irving Schnipper

Jenny Marroni, director of resident pro-
grams at the Park at Trowbridge, and
made possible by donations from Oakland
Community College Culinary Studies
Institute, which provided each couple with

a cake, Fifth Avenue Florist in Franklin and
the Little Happiness Flower Shop in Novi,
and Party City of Novi, which donated a
balloon bouquet.
"There was clearly a glow on the whole

day:' Rabbi Nelson added. "I was delighted
to be able to participate7

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This story was written by Jenny Marroni, director

of resident programs at the Park at Trowbridge.