Rav Chaim Feinstein Appeals for Help for Orphaned Bride Facing Empty-Handed Wedding

An orphaned bride who survived years of illness and a kidney transplant is now facing her wedding with almost no money for the most basic needs. The article says only a tiny amount has been raised so far, not even enough for essential expenses, and barely enough for the taxi ride to the wedding hall. She cannot afford a basic dowry, and vendors are still waiting to be paid, including the makeup artist, photographer and hall staff.

According to the report, she was saved after a complicated operation and had been in serious danger, but is now overwhelmed by shame and helplessness as she tries to start a home. The appeal says she is about to enter the chuppah after years of suffering, yet has no one to accompany her and nothing with which to enter her wedding.

Yeshiva head Rabbi Chaim Feinstein made an unusual public plea after learning of her distress. He said, “The orphaned bride, who was born ill and later needed a kidney transplant, went through it and by miracles successfully went through it, and now after years of suffering she is about to establish a home in Israel, enter the chuppah.”

He added, “There is no one to escort her to the chuppah, and she also has nothing with which to enter the chuppah, so it is a very great mitzvah to donate for this matter, hachnasat kallah and charity, and to revive the spirit of the downtrodden.” He also promised blessings to donors, including those who give 350 shekels to the urgent campaign, saying they and their families will merit health, long life, abundant livelihood and satisfaction from their children.