A Groom's Touching Speech: A Message of Hope for Singles

All single men and women eagerly await the cherished day when they commit to one another 'according to the law of Moses and Israel' under the wedding canopy. To this day, the deepest prayers of the heart are carried, and countless efforts are made to reach it. When it finally arrives and the couple finds each other, the personal joy knows no bounds, and it’s hard to think of anything else. However, groom Vitaly Stepnitsky sees things a bit differently.

In the midst of his wedding to Shoham Segal, which took place last Monday at Moshav 'Shoresh' near Jerusalem—just moments before the 'Sheva Brachot' began—Stepnitsky asked to say a few words.

With the microphone in hand, the groom pulled out a piece of paper and began reading aloud: "As we stand here under the chuppah, joyous and happy, it is important for us to remember that there are many singles who have not yet found their chosen one. Until recently, we were among them. For each one of us getting married, two new ones take our place. These singles bravely face each day without their other half. With courage, they continue to search, even when they’re tired, when they’re done finding a place to eat, week after week, from one Tuesday to the next, searching for a place to eat on Shabbat.

"They grapple with the need for companionship during this interim stage in their life, uncertain when or if it will end. They search under every stone, to find ways to meet and get to know a partner. Often, they’re told they’re too picky or that something is wrong with them. And often—they experience terrible loneliness during frustrating Shabbats. We are here to remind them. To tell them we salute them, and at this sacred hour, we pray that their prayers for finding a partner come true for the best."