Through the halls of the famed Neve Yerushalayim seminary in the Har Nof neighborhood of Jerusalem, cries of “mazel tov” ring out. Leah, a convert from Brazil, is engaged. The girls are giddy with excitement for her, and her new opportunity to start a Jewish home of her own.
For Leah, however, the occasion is one mixed with both joy and pain. Her family disapproved of her choice at 18 to sell her belongings to buy a ticket to fly to Israel. When she became Jewish, they withdrew their support, practical and emotional. Leah knew she would be continuing her journey alone.
The young woman spent her days in two seemingly opposed lifestyles: learning Torah, and cleaning houses. Immersing herself in spirituality, and working hard physical labor. Unfortunately, despite her work, she does not have the funds that she needs to make a basic wedding. Money for essentials such as a wedding dress, a ring, a basic hall, sheva brachos, kitchenware and linens for an apartment, furniture, and appliances seem to elude her. Her chassan is also a ger and in a similar family situation.
Their need is so urgent that charity organization Kupat Ha’Ir has opened a hachnasas kallah fund on Leah’s behalf. Donors are fulfilling the mitzvah of loving the ger, supporting the kallah, and of putting a smile on the face of someone who has truly struggled and sacrificed – just for a chance to have a Jewish family.
CLICK HERE TO SEE LEAH’S VIDEO MESSAGE
Please give generously! Geirim struggle so much and have so much mesiras nefesh, and are met w/so much discrimination in the Jewish community. Please help this Kallah!