The voice of the groom and the voice of the bride: how volunteers help couples organize weddings
Lia and Moshe, like many other couples, faced financial difficulties while planning their wedding. They were helped by the "Mabruk" association, which organizes celebrations with the help of volunteers. The project's idea is to create a "circle of kindness": couples who receive help become volunteers themselves at future events.
Volunteers from the "Mabruk" association did not believe they could organize a full wedding during Operation "Iron Swords," which took place amidst missile fire from Iran. In just three days, teams secured a synagogue, a rabbi, and catering for a couple who chose not to postpone their celebration.
"We were in a reality of complete uncertainty, but the couple asked us to continue the process," the volunteers say. "Amidst the tension, a human connection was formed, serving as an anchor of hope." Ultimately, the wedding took place in a synagogue in accordance with Home Front Command restrictions, followed by a celebration for guests.
A project is born
Over the past two and a half years, the "Mabruk" association, which helps couples with limited budgets, has had to adapt its operations. The project began a decade ago as a student initiative. One of the founders, facing the high cost of wedding services, realized that young people should not start their family life with massive debt.
Through "Mabruk," venue owners, catering companies, DJs, and photographers work on a volunteer basis. The couples, in turn, handle the arrangements for the rabbi and rings, and prepare symbolic gifts for the volunteers.
A "volunteering circle"
The association prioritizes new immigrants and those who contribute to Israeli society. Often, newlyweds who received help become volunteers themselves. "You might find them working as waiters at a wedding taking place just a week after their own," the organizers note.
Sarah and Martin, who arrived from South America, became the 72nd couple to marry through the project. "We realized that market prices were illogical," they shared. "We wanted a respectable celebration, and 'Mabruk' helped us make our dream come true." At their wedding, the name of Elkana Bohbot, a family friend released from Hamas captivity, was mentioned, making it a deeply personal and significant moment.
Advice for future couples
Lia, who married through the association in 2020, now accompanies other brides. "When I realized that 'Mabruk' creates a volunteering circle, I fell in love with the idea," she says. Her advice to future couples is simple: "Understand that you won't be able to control everything. Trust the teams who know how to adapt the event for you. And don't forget to eat at the beginning of the wedding, otherwise, you won't get the chance!"
