I recently attended a mixed seating wedding, which opened my eyes to the divorced women and men who seemed particularly vulnerable, without having spouses to whom to turn when conversation was exhausted with table partners. I made a conscious effort to speak to the divorced woman at the table and had seated myself next to her during the reception after the chuppah. There was also a man from my area who is currently undergoing divorce proceedings. He looked dejected and I went over to inquire about his children and to invite him for a Shabbos meal.
In a recent article in the Jewish Post, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis wrote about her experience in bumping into a woman in Borough Park.
"Rebbetzin, I owe you a debt of gratitude," the lady now volunteered. "Some years ago, you published a letter from an almanah (widow), who wrote of her painful loneliness, and the apathy of so many people who just don't stop to consider the feelings of a widow, living by herself, and the many challenges her situation presents. For an almanah, even attending a simcha can be complicated. How will she get there? How will she come home, etc.?
"Among the many suggestions you made, Rebbetzin, was that when sending invitations to widows, a card should be included saying, 'We will be delighted to supply transportation to and from the chasunah. Please indicate if you need a lift.'
In the same article, the Rebbetzin admonished those people who don't respond to wedding invitations.
Read full article:
http://www.jewishpress.com/pageroute.do/20531/
May we be zocheh to merit many future happy occasions. Incidentally, after reading the article, I emailed a response to an invitation I had received over two weeks ago.
No comments:
Post a Comment