Rabbi Jacob Haim Sofer makes rare public appeal to help an isolated groom

Rabbi Jacob Haim Sofer, head of the Kaf HaChaim yeshiva, issued an unusual public appeal yesterday for urgent help for a groom described as an “orphan in the lifetime of his father.” The groom is approaching his wedding day with no family support and no financial backing to cover the basic costs of starting a home.

Sofer said, “I humbly ask you to help a groom who is an orphan in his father’s lifetime, and has no help.” He added a blessing for donors: “Anyone who takes part in this great mitzvah will merit all that is best. May the Holy One, blessed be He, bless him in every way, for His service. May you be blessed with mitzvot, and so may it be, amen.”

In response, Kupat Ha'ir opened a special emergency fundraiser under its “Fund 5782” initiative for the groom. The campaign set a contribution target of 280 shekels per donor, so that many people can join in the mitzvah of helping him establish his home and receive Sofer’s rare blessing.

Charity workers involved in the case said it is important for as many people as possible to answer the rabbi’s call. They said the need is not only financial but also emotional, because every donation gives the groom encouragement and shows him he is not alone. The appeal urges the public to help him before his wedding and support his hope of building “a faithful home in Israel” grounded in Torah and reverence.