A Letter to My Daughter on Her Wedding Day

Advertisements
Advertisements
June 4, 2025

4 min read

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPrintFriendlyShare

10 Lessons on love, marriage and building a life together.

There are moments in a mother’s life that feel like the culmination of all her prayers. Watching my daughter stand under the chuppah is one of them. This is the letter I wrote to her on her wedding day—full of the wisdom, love, and hard-earned lessons I want her to carry into her new life.

My Dearest Daughter,

Today, as you stand under the chuppah and begin a new chapter of your life, my heart is overflowing—with pride, joy, tears, and prayers. I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long: seeing you radiant, strong, and ready to build your own sacred home.

I want to share with you some wisdom—not because I’ve figured it all out, but because I’ve lived through seasons, challenges, triumphs, and quiet miracles in marriage. These are the truths I’ve gathered along the way, the ones I hope will light your path when the road is smooth and when it’s steep.

1. Choose Joy—Every Day

Joy isn’t just a reaction; it’s a decision. Create it. Protect it. Let laughter live in your kitchen and music play on tired nights. Joy makes a home warm, a husband lovable, and life feel like a shared adventure—not a to-do list. If you want your marriage to be full of light—be the one who turns it on.

2. Be a Giver, Not a Scorekeeper

Marriage thrives not when we give to get, but when we give because it expands our soul. Give love when it’s easy, and give kindness when it’s not. And when you feel empty, don’t wait for him to refill you—go refill yourself, and give again. God created you with that strength.

3. You Can’t Control Your Husband—But You Can Influence

Trying to control your spouse will shrink your joy and suffocate connection. Instead, lead with gentleness. You have the power to influence with your presence, your softness, your faith. A look, a tone, a small gesture can open doors that no argument ever could.

4. Forgive Quickly and Often

You’ll mess up. So will he. Forgiveness is the oil that keeps the gears of a relationship moving. Don’t let silence or ego build walls. Speak your truth with love—and let go of bitterness before it takes root.

5. Be Present

Your presence is the greatest gift you can offer your husband. Put down the phone. Listen with your eyes. Make space to just be with him. Some of the holiest moments in marriage are quiet and ordinary—cooking together, folding laundry, walking home under the stars. That’s where connection is built.

6. Know When to Let Go—and When to Hold On

There will be things you’ll want to change. Some you can, gently. Others you must release. But never let go of each other. In the ups and downs, remember the vows under that chuppah. You’re building forever. Buckle up. Hunker down. And hold tight.

7. Keep God in the Center

A Jewish marriage isn’t just between two people—it’s a triangle, with God at the center. Invite Him in. Pray when things are hard, thank Him when things are good. Light Shabbos candles with intention, and ask for blessing, peace, and unity to rest on your home.

8. Be Soft and Strong at Once

You are a woman of valor—compassionate, wise, resilient. There will be days you carry more than your share. Do it with grace. And when you need to cry, cry. There’s strength in honesty, and beauty in vulnerability. Don’t be afraid to need. Don’t be afraid to ask. And never be afraid to love deeply.

9. Your Marriage Is Your Masterpiece

It won’t be perfect, but it can be holy. It’s yours to shape—day by day, word by word, touch by touch. There’s no manual, only the truth that love, commitment, and faith can carry you through anything.

10. I’m Always Here.

No matter how old you are, no matter where life takes you—you will always be my daughter. My arms, my prayers, my heart are always open to you.

As you step into this sacred covenant today, may your home be filled with light, your hearts with trust, and your journey with purpose. May you grow together with laughter, with tears, with Jewish wisdom, and with endless blessings.

With all my love and deepest pride,
Mama

And to every woman reading this—may you pass your light, your strength, and your love forward too.

Click here to comment on this article
guest
13 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Agnes V Klein
Agnes V Klein
6 months ago

Wonderful advice! To me, it means lead by example... it works always

Jim
Jim
6 months ago

A nice article. Perhaps a little sexist. Those rules are equally valid for the husband. A husband who ndoesn't follow the saqme rules/ideals/habits is not worthy of a wife whon does. Perhapos some branches of Judaism feel that the actions described here are the responsibility of the wife; I don't know (male, Reform). What I do know is that I have to work everyday on my marriag4e. These rules are applicable and form a good matrix for both partners to live by.

Jeff
Jeff
1 month ago
Reply to  Jim

Obviously, but this letter was written to her daughter, if it was her son she would have written the same.

Carol
Carol
6 months ago

Beautiful and wise! Thank you!

Ruth
Ruth
6 months ago

What vows are there under the chuppa? There are blessings and the kesuva is read, but that only obligates the husband. I don't know what vows you are talking about.

jspiytz
jspiytz
6 months ago
Reply to  Ruth

ugh. Just enjoy the article.

Alan S.
Alan S.
6 months ago

Words of wisdom.

G Katz
G Katz
6 months ago

Beautiful

anon
anon
6 months ago

absolutely beautiful! a heartwarming advice list that showcases the power of a woman and the strength we have to choose love and joy and kindness independant of what we recieve.
mazal tov and may you have much nachas from your daughter.

Leah G
Leah G
6 months ago

Wow, spot on advice! Beautiful as it focuses on the positive, without having to resort to a list of "don'ts"

Nina Collins What la lovely inspirational letter.
Nina Collins What la lovely inspirational letter.
6 months ago

What a lovely letter. Thank you.

Chana
Chana
6 months ago

so beautiful!

Miriam
Miriam
6 months ago
Reply to  Chana

What you wrote is PHENOMENAL and very true!!
Have much Yiddishe Nachat from all your family
I’YH!!

EXPLORE
LEARN
MORE
Explore
Learn
Resources
Next Steps
About
Donate
Menu
Languages
Menu
Social
.