The Jewish faith is rich in tales of moving journeys—treks both inspiring and inspired, heroic and humble. The holy books of Judaism open with the journey of husband and wife Abraham and Sarah as they leave behind their “land, birthplace and father’s house” to travel to an unknown destination: “the land I will show you.” This motif continues as Moses rejects the slavery of his people and leads them on an epic journey through the desert, hoping beyond hope that his faith in God will lead him to the Promised Land. These stories are both historical accounts and apt metaphors for what faith—and love—really is: A continuing path of self-discovery that begins with taking the risk of trust. We take our first step when we embrace a pure, absolute feeling in the absence of proof that there will be a positive, secure outcome.
Tamir’s life-altering journey began months before the Jewish wedding ceremony at St. George Paphos pictured below: Comfortably living in London, he had no idea fate was about to throw a bit of divine inspiration his way in the form of Daniella… And she had no clue that she was about to meet the love of her life while on one of her many visits abroad to see friends. Yet somehow, though they had been living separate lives and had grown up many miles apart, the connection between them was as instantaneous and miraculous as a sign from heaven. As Tamir himself put it, “We fell in love the second we saw each other.”
This revelation marked the beginning of a peripatetic courtship: First, Daniella moved to London to live with her love, just months after meeting him. Then the couple began to travel together, embracing the world in all its curiosity and wonder. It was on one of these adventures—to Germany this time—that Tamir proposed, asking Daniella to always travel beside him. She, of course, said “Yes,” vowing to stay by his side with the same loyalty and devotion that Sarah had shown Abraham.
Though we tend to see marriage as a time of ‘settling down,’ I have no doubt in my heart that for Daniella and Tamir, this Jewish wedding ceremony at St. George Paphos is not the end of a journey, but rather the beginning of one: With both halves of this pair being entrepreneurs, as well as lovers of food, culture, and travel… Who knows what greatness they will manifest as they work, learn, and live together? With such undeniable love as their guide, I feel certain that wherever they go and whatever they do, they will carry the Promised Land within them.
