Yaakov* may look like a regular ‘yeshiva bochur,’ but his upbringing couldn’t have been further from Torah. He was born in a European country into a non-Jewish family.
Not only were they not religious, they were antisemites. But Yaakov always knew there was more. When his parents passed away in a tragic accident he made the decision they would have never understood: To study Torah and convert to Judaism.
Now Yaakov lives in yeshiva in Bnei Brak. All he owns are the clothes on his back, a suit, and a coffee mug, but he doesn’t mind being poor.
That is - he didn’t until he got engaged. Now Yaakov understands what it really means to not have a family: He has no one to help him afford the costs of making a simple wedding. It is embarrassing for him and his kallah, but they can’t afford even the most simple things.
Yaakov’s story and others were brought this month to a group of the world’s most respected Torah scholars: Rabbi Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Rav Dovid Cohen, Rav Yaakov Hillel, the Rachmastrivka Rebbe, and Rav Elbaz.
The stories of the orphans moved them deeply and a letter was written up and signed, blessing all those who help these orphans to get married.
The letter speaks at length as to the urgency of the situation and the importance of the mitzvah, as well as blessing donors with success in having children, and finances.
All of the weddings are happening this month, so the need is not only urgent, but time-sensitive. Readers can donate here to escort Yaakov to his chuppah.
*Details changed to protect the family’s privacy