Why do we need a Mazal Tov Fund?

There are several social and historical factors that created the necessity for this type of charitable and educational origination. Traditional Jewish society was centered on large extended families. Modern life in Europe and North America changed traditional life very significantly. And while at the turn of the last century the costs of furnishing a basic wedding were burdensome, a different attitude existed on what constituted a proper wedding. Families lived closely connected. Parents would begin collecting items for a young woman's trousseau years in advance of her wedding. And young couples would not have to find their own accommodations and furnishings because they would begin their married lives at one of their parent’s homes. However, today's Jewish society reflects the greater society at large. Families are dispersed across great distances. The closely knit social bonds have unraveled in all but the most pious and insular communities. The costs have skyrocketed, and young couples are expected to be able to make it on their own, from the day after the wedding. In short, the support network is gone which enabled young people without means, and without parents, to have simple weddings, and live simply till they could afford to get on their feet.

In the greater American society, one of the answers to this problem is that couples are marrying very late, and often live together for several years prior to getting married. They plan and pay for their own wedding, and already have furnished homes where to live. However, in religiously observant, modern, Jewish society, this is not an option. Young couples will not live together before marriage. In addition, couples want to marry when they are in their twenties and start families when they are young.

Thankfully, even with these socioeconomic realities, most couples are in a position to finance getting married. Even Jewish couples are getting married later, and have savings and earning potential. In addition, both families generally pay for the event and furnishing a couple with an apartment, spreading the cost. However, still not all couples can afford it. The ones who are at the distinct disadvantage are ones who are orphaned, immigrants, working class, and/or come from broken homes. Current social services provide for the most needy of people, and for most basic needs. Currently marriage is not considered a basic need, so there is nowhere for a couple to go. The Mazal Tov Fund helps to provide this basic need—marriage and starting a home.