Couple aged 100 and 102 marry in Philadelphia
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Couple aged 100 and 102 marry in Philadelphia

Rabbi who married couple says it was a joyous occasion

Jenni Frazer is a freelance journalist

Pic: from Humans of Judaism, Instagram. by Sarah Sicherman, grand-daughter of Bernie Littman
Pic: from Humans of Judaism, Instagram. by Sarah Sicherman, grand-daughter of Bernie Littman

The rabbi who married a couple with a combined age of 202 has spoken of his joy at being able to officiate at this singular occasion.

Rabbi Adam Wohlberg, senior minister at Philadelphia’s Temple Sinai, said that he had had “the honour and privilege” of officiating at the wedding of centenarians Bernie Littman and Marjorie Fiterman, who both live in a care home in the city.

Writing on social media, Rabbi Wohlberg, who has been his synagogue’s rabbi since 2002, said: “Every wedding is a joyous occasion; this one even more so because the groom is 100 years old and the bride 102. Both Bernie and Marjorie had been married previously. The fact that they found love again is heartwarming. To look at them is to see two people whose smiles are evidence of the love they enjoy, being in each other’s presence”.

The couple met when they found themselves living on the same floor in the Philadelphia care home.

Rabbi Wohlberg, whose synagogue is affiliated with the Conservative movement, added: “Sunday’s ceremony was a wonderful simcha shared with Bernie’s children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and Marjorie’s dear friend. It isn’t often that I am asked to preside at the wedding of a bride and groom who have each lived for more than a century (actually, this is the only time it has ever happened) or for someone who has been part of my congregation for more than 65 years.

“I am well aware that this is an extraordinary blessing and I wish Marjorie, Bernie and their family much love and happiness, and continued good health”.

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