Shidduchim had not gone easy for Baila. She had been dating for several years and nothing seemed to work. Often, she would think that she was going to get married to a certain young man and then one of them would decide that it was not a match. But the years of frustration made it all the more satisfying when she finally became a kallah.
The Big Day Had Arrived
The approaching wedding brought with it many responsibilities and tasks to be accomplished, but finally the months of waiting came to an end. The big day had arrived. Baila arrived at the wedding hall very early and soon afterwards the hatan arrived. He appeared to be nervous, but he sat down and tried to calm himself. Many of the guests arrived and were enjoying the festivities. However, as the hupah was about to begin, it became apparent that the hatan was nowhere to be found.
His parents began to explain nervously that he had come to them terribly distraught, saying he did not want to go through with the wedding. They had tried to convince him not to leave but all their efforts were in vain, as were the efforts of his friends. Moshe’s mind was made up and he refused to reconsider. He just did not want to marry this girl. For the meantime, the impending disaster was kept quiet, but it would only be a matter of time before the kallah would hear the devastating news. Everyone there tried to think of a way to break the news to her but no one seemed to have a good idea of how to go about it.
Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld
Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, the Rav of Yerushalayim, was at the wedding and was immediately informed of the crisis. The Rav inconspicuously slipped out to where the hatan’s friends had gathered and were already discussing what had happened.
“Who wants a guarantee for a long life and nahat from all your children and grandchildren?” All the boys looked up and were surprised to see the venerated Rav standing next to them. “Anyone who is willing to marry this girl and prevent her from the shame she will incur from this embarrassing incident will be guaranteed a wonderful long life with endless amounts of nahat.”
One by one the young men, although impressed and tempted by the offer, declined. But one boy was willing. Quickly his parents were asked and with their consent he spent a few minutes with Baila. Her initial shock caused her to hesitate but she finally consented. And so they got married.
It is sixty years later and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren smile and are forever grateful that their grandfather’s unusual display of hesed allowed for their grandmother and grandfather to meet, get married and spend a long and happy life together. (Touched by a Story)
Reprinted from the Parashat 5785 email of Rabbi David Bibi’s Shabbat Shalom from Cyberspace. Excerpted from the ArtScroll book – “Touched by a Story.”