Jerusalem’s Old City Chief Rabbi Appeals for Support to Aid Orphan Groom’s Wedding

Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, the chief rabbi of Jerusalem’s Old City, issued a rare and personal appeal from his home near the Temple Mount to help an orphaned groom who cannot afford basic wedding necessities. Known for his reserved public statements, Rabbi Nebenzahl directly called on generous donors across Israel to assist with the mitzvah of "bringing in the bride" for this young man. He emphasized the urgency by highlighting the groom’s status as an orphan and described the family’s dire financial situation, noting they have no relatives or acquaintances to support them.

The rabbi praised the groom’s character, describing him as a devout, diligent Torah scholar with exemplary traits, yet stressed the family’s inability to purchase essential items for the wedding. Rabbi Nebenzahl concluded his appeal with a heartfelt request for aid and blessed all contributors with success and divine blessings.

To facilitate donations, the charity organization Kuppat Ha'Ir established a dedicated fund (number 5799) to collect contributions for the groom. They noted that donors can participate in the mitzvah by giving 380 shekels and receive the rabbi’s explicit blessing. The appeal underscores the community’s role in stepping in where family support is absent, especially in times of financial hardship.

The rabbi’s call comes from a symbolic location near the Western Wall, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the mitzvah and the communal responsibility to assist those in need. The fund remains open for donations to ensure the groom’s wedding can proceed with dignity and joy.