The Lekahal Event that Launched the Motzoh Tov Wedding Revolution

By Y.M. Lowy

For the first time in Monsey’s history, over 8,000 Yidden gathered under one roof — not for a simcha, not for a crisis, but to spark a revolution. The historic Lehakahal event wasn’t just a meeting; it was the launch of a movement that’s rewriting the norms of how weddings are made.

Many are calling it a real shift. The Lehakahal event brought thousands together with the one goal of making weddings more manageable. It was about starting something practical, where families can make chasunahs without going into debt.

From the opening words of Rabbi Mordechai Schiff to the strong words of Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman, the message was clear: the community can’t keep up with the pressure and cost of today’s weddings. Rabbi Wachsman said it bluntly — if the government had forced this kind of spending on us, we’d declare a fast day over it.

The crowd also heard from famed accountant Reb Zecharya Waxler, who gave crucial financial guidance for families preparing to marry off children. Then Reb Chaim Meir Perl took the stage, describing how the Motzoh Tov model changed his family’s life when he used it to marry off his child with dignity, simplicity, and joy.

Throughout the event, the new set of wedding standards was revealed, identifying five key areas where most of the spending takes place:

• 1. Tena’im – No more lavish engagements. A simple vort will suffice.
• 2. Jewelry and Gifts – Only lab-grown diamonds for the kallah. All gift-giving will follow a clear list and schedule.
• 3. Furniture and Housewares – No more fully furnishing apartments with luxury items. Only what’s necessary will be bought.
• 4. Shtreimlach and Wedding Attire – Paying thousands for a shtreimel or extravagant outfits is a thing of the past.
• 5. Shabbos Celebrations – The aufruf, Shabbos sheva brachos, and related events will be held on a far simpler scale.

All kehillos agreed to cut spending drastically in these areas. Motzoh Tov set a recommended maximum of $50,000 per side, with each kehillah releasing its guidelines. These standards will soon be shared publicly by each Kehilla and by Motzoh Tov.

To support this movement, Motzoh Tov announced the launch of a new gemach offering loans of up to $25,000 for families adhering to the new standards. Alongside that, a special membership drive for the long-standing Shivtei Yisroel gemach will allow members to borrow up to $50,000 for their children’s weddings. In a moment that lifted spirits across Monsey, it was announced that a group of philanthropists has committed $40 million to fund this new gemach!

In addition, the Satmar Kehilla announced plans to open a new affordable wedding hall in Monsey, with details of the opening expected soon.

In another major development, Motzoh Tov revealed plans for a series of small, affordable venues for events like the vort, aufruf, and Shabbos sheva brachos. These smaller celebrations have often cost tens of thousands. Now, with new halls, families can finally scale down these events with dignity.

To help families host events at home, Reb Eliezer Shiner announced the funding of a fully equipped “Simcha Truck” that's stocked with tables, benches, mechitzas, warmers, and everything needed to make a Simcha at home possible. It will be available for reservation through Motzoh Tov.

Motzoh Tov made clear: It’s a movement backed by real solutions, and more plans are in the works to help families save even more.

Many wondered: What is Motzoh Tov? After this event, the answer is clear. It’s a community-wide initiative that brought together every kehillah in Monsey to create lasting change. Together, they crafted new wedding standards that can save tens of thousands per family. For those without specific kehilla guidance, Motzoh Tov also offers a universal standard to follow.

Here are the five services Motzoh Tov will provide for Monsey residents embracing the new standards:

• 1. Harmony Showroom – A full-service store for wedding needs, including gifts, furniture, linens, and attire. The grand opening will be announced soon.
• 2. Gemach – Loans of up to $25,000 with flexible terms for families following the Motzoh Tov model.
• 3. Affordable Halls – Additional exclusive venues for small celebrations.
• 4. Kallah Gown Rentals – Beautiful custom gowns at affordable prices, available in the coming months.
• 5. Simcha Truck – Everything needed for home celebrations, sponsored by Reb Eliezer Shiner.

And this is just the beginning. The Motzoh Tov organization is working tirelessly on even more services to ease the burden and help families marry off their children with dignity and joy.