Why Does She Sit There, In The Freezing Cold?

Some of you know who I’m talking about. But for those who do not, allow me to introduce you to a truly amazing person, Mrs. Devorah Benjamin.

The driving force behind the incredible Keren Simchas Chosson V’Kallah, and a staple of the Crown Heights Community, she can often be found on the streets of Crown Heights with her bucket and credit card machine, raising critical funds to support needy brides and grooms.

The following is my story, though I can assure you I am one of many.

Nothing should mar the pure joy of a mother when her son calls to say, “Mommy, we’re ready to get engaged. When’s a good day for all of us to meet at the Ohel?” Pure joy…for about ten minutes, and then the worries began. Money is at the top of that list. Next on the list is also money…and it’s not a joke. Money is an all-pervasive factor, stepping all over that joy of making a wedding for a child.

Money was tight, there had been some trying financial times, and then a divorce. The kallah’s side – a lovely family, but not much money. How could I do this?? In two words–Devorah Benjamin!

I recall going to her house for a meeting. It was short and to the point. “How much money do you have to contribute? I’ll take care of the rest.” I’m sure we discussed many of the various details as well, location, music, menu, photographer, invitations, benchers, and so forth, but my strongest memory was relief. Devorah Benjamin said she’d take care of the rest, and I had no reason to doubt that.

There was a dignified trip to the silver store to pick out candlesticks with the kallah. They knew in advance which types of candlesticks to offer us. A trip to the jeweler was the same, dignified and respectable. No embarrassing moments of “No, not those, they’re not in the prearranged budget.” Never. Devorah Benjamin took care of it all in a way that preserved everyone’s dignity. I even recall how fancy the appetizers looked at the wedding, right before we walked the kallah in before the bedeken–”That’s for us?? Wow! Such fancy food! Devorah Benjamin didn’t miss a beat!”

The wedding day? Freezing cold outside, but done with the warmest of hearts. It was nothing short of miraculous– from the day we took that trip to the Ohel up until the walk to the chuppah on the wedding day.

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