Simchas in לייקווד לעיקוואוד מתא

 An interesting indication of the busy wedding season (besides Traffic on Oak st.) was highlighted in a recent Shavuos article featuring Rabbi Daniel Carlbach, who writes kesubos for weddings. He noted that there are more than a dozen accepted ways to write in Hebrew "Lakewood, New Jersey"  in a kesubah. To ensure accuracy, he maintains a detailed list of the preferred wording used by each mesader kiddushin and prepares the kesubah accordingly. Most attendees may not pay close attention during the krias kesubah, but those who do will often hear different versions being read aloud. It is one of the many unique details that reflects the remarkable number of chasunos taking place throughout our communities.

It is chasunah season. Simcha halls are booked throughout the week. Walk to your fridge, glance at your calendar, or check the schedule on your phone, and you will likely see every box filled with reminders of the many simchas taking place during the month of June.

Baruch Hashem, there are so many simchas in Klal Yisrael.

We often focus on challenges and difficulties and do not always take note of the good news around us. Yet how can we ignore the reality before our eyes? Yidden are traveling every night to attend one, two, and sometimes even three or four weddings. Families are commuting throughout the Tri-State area from Brooklyn to Lakewood, from Lakewood to Monsey, from the Catskills to the city and many are traveling from out of town. Some are even making long journeys from the Midwest and beyond to participate in family simchas.

We are witnessing the continued growth and building of Klal Yisrael. We are seeing the fulfillment of the promise of "Lo yomushu mipi zaracha." The Jewish people continue to thrive and grow.

Yes, we may be getting home very late from one wedding, only to attend another the next evening. And that is before the Shabbos aufruf, the family gatherings, and the Sheva Brachos celebrations that follow.

It is easy to take all of this for granted. But when we look around, we should recognize the tremendous chesed of Hashem reflected in these countless simchas. At the same time, we should remember those who are still waiting for their own yeshuah in shidduchim and be mindful of their feelings during these joyous times.

May we continue to share in the many simchas of Klal Yisrael and celebrate together in good health, happiness, and peace.

 ויזכו לבנות בית נאמן בישראל