1. Mazel Tov and the Miracle of a Good Match
I want to take this opportunity to extend a very hearty mazel tov to Shlomo and all the families involved. When it comes to making a shidduch—a match or marriage—the most important thing is ensuring the young couple is compatible, that they truly fit and match each other. Achieving that is itself quite a miracle. We know that Hashem is the one who makes shidduchim, bringing people together from different communities, backgrounds, and experiences, uniting them as one. This alone is a tremendous reason to praise and thank HaKadosh Baruch Hu—the Holy One, blessed be He—for bringing two young people together.
Often, the families of the chosson and kallah—the groom and bride—may not have much in common, or sometimes even find themselves at odds. But occasionally, everything fits perfectly: not just the couple, but both families mesh together like a glove. That’s a truly beautiful and wonderful simcha—joyous occasion. I’ve heard from one side of the family how thrilled they are with not only the couple but also with the entire family dynamic. I can only imagine this feeling is mutual from the other side as well.
2. Blessings for Simcha and Nachas
The hope and blessing is that Hashem should help you experience joy all your years, granting much nachas—pride and satisfaction—from this new couple. May there be many future generations bringing Yiddish nachas to both families and to all of Klal Yisrael—the Jewish people.
This theme ties beautifully into this week’s parsha as well.
3. The Mitzvah of Gratitude in This Week’s Parsha
The main thrust of this week’s parsha is that a person must not be ungrateful; we are obligated to express our gratitude. When a shidduch takes place, we thank Hashem for giving us this opportunity. We must never forget that it’s His blessings that allow us to celebrate, grant us life, happiness, sustenance—everything we have comes from Him.
This week’s parsha discusses the mitzvah of bikkurim—bringing the first fruits. When the first fruit appears on a tree, one would tie a red string around it to mark it as first. Later, these fruits were brought up to Yerushalayim in baskets as an offering. Upon arrival at the Beis HaMikdash, there was a declaration: “Hashem, You brought me here, You gave me this land—I want to express my gratitude for all You have given me.” This act of gratitude is central every time Hashem does us kindness.
4. The Timing of Bikkurim: Rashi’s Question
An interesting point arises right at the beginning of this mitzvah. Rashi explains that the obligation to bring bikkurim begins only after you settle and inherit the land fully. The Torah tells us it wasn’t immediate—the Jews didn’t just cross over into Eretz Yisrael and instantly conquer everything. It took fourteen years: seven years to conquer all areas and another seven years to distribute them among all tribes.
The process was gradual—some received their portion earlier than others—but only after everyone had their plot did the mitzvah of bikkurim begin for all.
5. Why Wait Fourteen Years? The Rebbe’s Insight
The Rebbe raises an important question: If we are meant to show recognition and gratitude to Hashem for His kindnesses, why wait fourteen years? If someone has their own tree in year one with its first fruit ready for bikkurim, shouldn’t they thank Hashem immediately? Why delay expressing gratitude?
The Rebbe answers that true joy cannot be complete if another Jew has not yet received his portion or his tree isn’t growing yet—if he cannot bring bikkurim himself. We cannot be fully joyous before Hashem when others still lack what we have received.
6. Collective Joy and Remembering Others’ Needs
This idea explains why at a chasana—a wedding—we break a cup under the chuppah: “L’zecher Yerushalayim al rosh simchasi—to remember Jerusalem at our highest joy.” The Gemara teaches that even at our moments of greatest simcha we recall Yerushalayim’s destruction because our joy isn’t complete while others still suffer or while we remain in exile (golos). Only when all Jews are helped with what they need will our simcha be truly whole.
Nevertheless, even now we continue to express thanks to Hashem for His kindnesses.
7. Final Blessings for Shlomo and Family
I want again to extend my heartiest mazel tov—especially since Shlomo is truly “bread-and-born,” a full product of Sharon—which makes this simcha especially meaningful for us all. May Hashem bless him, his wife, and both families with continued goodness, kindness, success wherever they turn.
I know Shlomo was a very sought-after bochur—a fine young man—and Baruch Hashem there are gems on both sides of this shidduch! May you continue in success together with Hashem’s blessings always.