In a Way, Rivky is a Mom at 14

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“In a way, Rivky* became a mom at 14. When a bus crash took her parents away, she became responsible for her younger siblings. They moved from relative’s house to relative’s house, always in search of a place that could house them together. She held her baby brother in her arms, rocking him to sleep, knowing that she could never be what she wanted: Her mother.

And in those moments, she longed for her mother also.

Now 20 years old, Rivky is still the picture of maturity. Working long hours in an office, she struggles to pay rent. She has her younger siblings over for quiet shabbat meals, where her younger brother makes kiddush. Rivky has found the boy she wants to marry, but she knows she could never afford even a simple wedding, or a place for them to live after marriage.

Neighbors wonder if she will have to call off the wedding.“

Rav Shimon Galai shlit”a, talmid chacham,and tzaddik has taken personal responsibility for nearly 30 young people living in desperation.

26 young orphans who are engaged to be married have been selected by Kupat Ha’Ir as particularly needy. Rav Galai has issued a powerful statement on their behalf: Help them get married and, midah k’neged midah, donors should b’ezras Hashem have hatzlocha in marrying off their own children.

The Rav will also be making a pilgrimage to the kever of Rav Shteinman zt”l on his shloshim, to pray personally for all those who give.

The monthly orphan wedding campaign’s reputation precedes it: Many gedolim have come out in support of the fund, and have volunteered their time for the cause.

In the meantime, 26 people are waiting with bated breath, to see if enough will be raised for them to help them begin their lives without parental support.

*Details have reportedly been changed to conceal the identities of the orphans. However “Rivky” and 25 others like her are undoubtedly feeling conflicting emotions during their engagements: gratitude for the support of Rav Galai, and fearful for their futures. Together, we can alleviate some of that fear.

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