From Help to Hakaras Hatov

A wedding that sparked a commitment to give back

by KR

When Shlomo and Lori got engaged in January of 2000, they were excited to begin their life together - but had no idea how they would afford a wedding. Both were learning in Jerusalem, full-time students with no income and no financial support from family. But thanks to the kindness of American Friends of Yad Eliezer/B’ezri’s Adopt a Wedding program, they not only celebrated their simcha with dignity - they were inspired to give back.

“A rabbi at my yeshiva knew about American Friends of Yad Eliezer/B’ezri and arranged for a substantially discounted wedding meal” recalls Shlomo. “I believe it came to just a few dollars per plate, and there was simply no way we could have paid for anything more than that.”
The support they received left a lasting impression. “We couldn’t believe there existed such an organization” Shlomo continues. Adopt a Wedding enabled the couple to hold a modest but beautiful and respectful wedding, one that even severe weather, rare in Jerusalem, couldn’t ruin.

“Despite the massive snowstorm that night, people trekked out to join our simcha” recalls Shlomo. Even the staff at the hall got involved. “The volunteer waiters were so genuine and amazing, pouring on the mazel tovs and asking us for brachas. We were so blown away, we were almost in disbelief.”

That night became more than just a memory - it was inspirational, sparking a sense of gratitude that has endured to this day. Shlomo and Lori have never forgotten the help they received, and in the years since, they’ve made it a point to give back to the very program that made their wedding possible.

“We continue to donate what we can to Adopt a Wedding out of the immense hakaras hatov (gratitude) we feel for American Friends of Yad Eliezer/B’ezri. Perhaps in its zchus we were able to marry off both our daughters this past year. We said thank you 25 years ago, and we say thank you again, now.”

Adopt a Wedding has helped struggling families make their simchas with dignity for decades. Well over 20,000 have been sponsored to date through the program, ensuring couples can stand under the chuppah with dignity-and without the stress of accruing substantial debt. For many like Shlomo and Lori, it is support that resonates for a lifetime. 

Learn more about the program - and how to take part in what becomes a cycle of giving here.

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