Hachnasat Kallah

In Jewish communities, it is not uncommon for people to collect money on behalf of a needy couple that lacks funds to celebrate their nuptials and/or set up a modest home together. Moving from person to person in the synagogue or on the street, the collector need not say anything more than-ßhachnasat-ßkallah,-ßand sympathetic strangers willingly contribute toward the worthy cause of establishing a new Jewish home with dignity and joy.

Hachnasat-ßkallah-ß(+÷+++ó+ª+ß+++Ý+++¼ +ó+++++ú+++++÷, also pronounced-ßhachnosas kallah) literally means GÃúbringing in the bride,GÃÑ and it refers to the-ßmitzvah-ßof providing bride and groom with all that they need to marry.

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The-ßTalmud sees this-ßmitzvah, which is done discreetly and without fanfare, as alluded to in ScriptureGÃÍs call to, GÃúwalk humbly with your-ßGGõd.

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Hachnasat kallah-ßis listed among those deeds for which we are rewarded during our lifetime, with our primary reward being given to us in the-ßWorld to Come.

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The-ßCode of Jewish law-ßrules that if stewards of communal funds have unallocated funds, they should be earnmarked toward GÃúmarrying off orphan maidens, for there is no-ßtzedakah greater than this.

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In modern times, the term-ßhachnasat kallah-ßrefers to providing financial support. However, in the times of the-ßTalmud-ßit was (also) used literally, referring to the mitzvah of joining the bridal entourage, lending prestige and joy to the procession that made its way from the brideGÃÍs home to the wedding celebration. This (along with joining a funeral procession) was seen as being so important that Rabbi-ßYehuda bar Ilai would disrupt his studies to participate in an under-attended procession.