[COMMUNICATED]
Meir Goldstein woke up before the sun, his hands shaking. Today was the day he would propose to Mindel, the young woman he had decided would be the perfect kallah for him. The families were on board, their dreams were aligned, and this would be the beginning of the next chapter of their lives.
Though he knew that Mindel wanted to marry him as well, he was terrified, because he knew there was something he needed to tell her.
That afternoon as they sat in the Jerusalem botanical gardens, surrounded by the beauty of nature, Meir began his speech.
“Mindel,” he said calmly. “In my bag I have for you a ring. It is with this ring that I intend to propose and to ask you to be my wife. But there is something you need to know.”
Mindel braced herself for the worst, unclear where this was going.
Meir went on: “It is a simple ring, with no diamond. As you know, my family is very poor. I would never be able to afford a diamond. I have lived simply all my life and I might always live simply.
You have every right to say that is not the life you want for yourself. You could easily find a chassan who could promise you security.
If you marry me, there will be no diamonds. There will be times when we come up short, when we struggle. But if there is anyone that I want to struggle alongside, it is you.”
Mindel let the moment settle, then a smile broke across her face. She had also grown up in a poor family of many siblings. These things were not important to her. That night, the two families joyfully celebrated the engagement. The light from the chandelier sparkled as it caught Mindel’s simple gold-plated band, which she wore with great pride.
A hachnasas kallah fund has been opened on Meir & Mindel’s behalf. They both come from families who are severely poor and have many children to support, and they are overwhelmed by the many expenses necessary to make the most basic wedding, and to start a simple home. They do not ask for riches, for fancy things, or for diamonds… Only the chance to build a bayis ne’eman b’yisroel.
Readers can donate here to help them make it to their chuppah.
*Details changed to protect the couple’s privacy
Touching story, confused what the sensational headline has to do with the story/pitch but alright it did cause me to press the link…
Diamonds are dumb. There are much better looking gemstones that can be purchased for much less than diamonds. A non-antique jewelry in general is usually not a good investment, diamonds in particular. A diamond jewelry is easy to destroy and to loose, which causes constant worrying instead of enjoying wearing a jewelry.
Diamonds are forever and special . If you cant afford it I understand , its something beautiful that Hashem has given us to make people happy and appreciated .