Apr. 7, 2022 - You have until 9:00 p.m. this evening to enter.
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 21, 2022 - We, in Baltimore live in a singular world of gemachs, organizations dedicated to the benefit and wellbeing of all members of the Jewish community. Having a party and short of tables and chairs? Don’t worry; there is a table-and-chair gemach. Need some medical equipment for last-minute ill or elderly company? Don’t fret; there are garages and basements full of wheelchairs, crutches, and all sorts of physical therapy paraphernalia. Just call and sign, and these items are available to you. There is even a shalom zachor gemach, which takes care of all the Friday night celebration needs for that new baby boy, no matter how close to Shabbos that child is born.
All the gemachs described above, and the dozens too numerous to mention here, add immeasurably to the beauty of the community we live in, but one in particular reaches into the very core of everyone’s daily life. Simchas Esther is a gemach established for the sole purpose of enhancing one’s upcoming wedding, alleviating the stress associated with financing the myriad needs of the event. Founded almost 20 years ago by a group of committed and concerned women, Simchas Esther takes the mitzvah of hachnasas kalla (providing for a bride) to a new level. Named in memory of Mrs. Esther Lemberger, a”h, a special woman in our community who involved herself in this mitzva, Simchas Esther provides Kalla Packages of household items, clothing vouchers, and appliances, as well as partially subsidizing sheitel (wig) purchases.
In addition, Simchas Esther has branched out into a number of auxiliary gemachs: The Binyomin Levik Bregin Interest-Free Loan Gemach offers sizeable loans for those paying for a wedding. The Ateres Chaya Gitty Gemach (in memory of Mrs. Chaya Gitty Hess) rents magnificent tablecloths of all sizes and colors for a minimal fee and donation. The Table Top Gemach makes a large variety of candlesticks, vases, and trifle bowls available to enhance a party setting. A Gift Room in a volunteer’s home contains donated new and unopened wedding gifts, all of which are available to a kalla free of charge. Lastly, but equally important, is the Minchas Asher Gemach, established by the Prero family in memory of Asher Prero, which grants financial assistance to the chassan, to be used exclusively for his personal wedding needs.
Since its inception, Simchas Esther has helped approximately 870 brides and over 470 grooms, to the amount of $2 million in goods and services. It currently carries a budget of over $250,000 per year, with needs and costs constantly on the rise. To offset its many obligations, the organization’s dedicated cadre of volunteers have discreetly solicited donors and manned the phones. Plus, they created Chodesh Gelt, where people sign up and offer to give a donation each month. At different times, they have sent out beautifully laminated candle-lighting cards for Shabbos and mizrach posters for the sukka. In addition, they mailed a “wedding invitation” to the Baltimore community, to recruit more members to the Simchas Esther drives. In lieu of the annual Purim shpiel, Simchas Esther has expanded its virtual auction to eight prizes. Tickets may be purchased on line or by mail. The drawing will take place on April 7th.
All questions and issues pertaining to the running of Simchas Esther are addressed to Rav Yaakov Hopfer, who has always provided wonderful guidance and encouragement to the organization.
One of the most important aspects of Simchas Esther is its commitment to its goal of providing for the needs of its kallos in a discreet and dignified fashion. Indeed, the concerns of a kalla to have everything she needs to start her household are handled with sensitivity and finesse by the Simchas Esther volunteers, as is clearly evident in the many personal notes written by thankful recipients, young couples and their parents alike: “Thank you so much!! You have made the start of our marriage far easier and more comfortable than it would have been otherwise. We can’t describe how much we appreciate what you have done for us. May there be many more simchos.” And, “No words can describe the deep feelings of hakaras hatov (gratitude) we feel toward the Simchas Esther organization for all the outstanding gifts and gift cards we received in honor of our daughter’s wedding. Indeed, the assistance you provided was an absolute lifesaver!”
A Jewish chassan and kalla begin their lives anew on the day of their wedding. By helping out with many of the trousseau expenses along the way, it is Simchas Esther’s aim to make that beginning as stress-free and positive as possible. With your continued generous help and support, the chassanim and kallos of tomorrow will feel the same joy and happiness under the chupa that has been the heritage of millions of Jewish couples throughout the ages.
