I am sorry.
Sorry to break the regular cycle of news articles bringing you information from around the world, to break the routine of your busy life. It is for good reason, though: There is something you should see. Three short letters of apology. One of them is written by someone you may know.
Letter One – From a Woman Left Behind :
My dear daughter,
It seems like centuries since we stood by Tatty’s hospital bed, and watched him leave this world. Every since then, I’ve fought to do everything I can to provide for you and your siblings. But I have failed – to see you walk to your chuppah, and to have nothing to give you.
I pray that you will forgive me for not being able to help you. You have grown into an incredible young woman, who does so much good in the world. I am proud of you.
Love, Mommy
–
Letter Two – From a Woman to Her Mother :
Dear Mommy,
It breaks my heart to think of what you have been through, raising us on your own. You are so strong. Don’t worry, I have been saving up from my job and I will find a way to make it work. There must be a way. Please don’t be sad.
Etty
Letter Three – From Someone You May Know :
Dear Etty, I am sorry. I am sorry that I scrolled past your face, desensitized by the many stories of tragedy I see on the internet each day. I am sorry I have hardened my heart, said now isn’t a good time. I know that the mitzvah of hachnasas kallah is immense, that if I were to help you I would be gaining more than you would.
I am sorry that people have shamed and ridiculed you for asking for help. I am sorry I turned away.
Signed, a Jew
—
The first two letters are just one glimpse into the inner lives of Etty Stein and her mother, two individuals who are painfully in need of help. When Etty’s father passed away from cancer, he left behind a widow and 13 children. The children quickly learned to find financial independence, including Etty, who works as a teacher in a school for children with special needs. Now that she is engaged to be married, Etty and her chassan are at a loss as to how to cover the basic expenses. Though she receives a modest paycheck, the costs of essentials like a rented dress and sheva brachos are beyond her reach.
The third letter could be from any one of us. Day after day, bombarded with negativity and desensitized to pain, we scroll past the faces of individuals who are praying with all of their hearts that we might notice them. These individuals face the backlash of anonymous commenters who shame them for ‘asking for handouts,’ despite our tradition of hachnasas kallah as a mitzvah. Skeptical of it all, pained by the relatability of the faces in front of us, we turn away – and our Jewish brothers & sisters continue to struggle.
There is no way to help everyone. But, for whatever reason, today Hashem brought you to the story of Etty the kallah – and if you can help her, she can fulfill her dream of building a bayis ne’eman b’yisroel with dignity.
