Yes, R’ Meir Levi, R’ Shlomo Lewenstein, and R’ Tzodek Katz are engaged.

Not just in making shidduchim, but in ensuring that every chosson gets to feel like one.

Tzipora G.

Becoming a chosson marks one of the most joyous milestones in a young man’s life, as he’s about to embark on a beautiful new future with his kallah. However, for many families, the financial burden associated with marrying off a chosson is overwhelming.

Enter Zichron Mattel, the shadchanim’s organization dedicated to ensuring that every chosson can approach his wedding day with dignity and joy. Founded by Rabbis Meir Levi, Shlomo Lewenstein, and Tzodek Katz, powerhouses of the shidduch world, Zichron Mattel aims to relieve that burden and let the family make their simchah with simchah.

Rabbi Tzodek Katz initially conceived the idea when he observed the needs of the boys firsthand. “I saw boys going around collecting for their friends, and it became clear that there was a significant need,” he explains. “I suggested it to Rabbi Lewenstein, who had recently lost his mother. We decided to name the organization after her, and we moved forward with the initiative.”

Reflecting on the early days, Rabbi Katz adds, “I used to be very involved on a day-to-day level until it was up and running. Initially, it was more challenging. Now it’s k’nocking, but we still need the support and donations to continue helping every chosson.”

Rabbi Meir Levi elaborates on the unique nature of Zichron Mattel. “There’s no other organization like ours that specifically helps chassanim,” he says. “The costs of making a wedding can be astronomical for the boy’s side. So if we can at least help outfit the chosson and ensure that the chosson can provide the standard beautiful gifts for his kallah, eliminating his stress, how can we look away?”

From its humble beginnings, Zichron Mattel has grown into a large tzedakah, assisting over 500 chassanim with a staggering annual budget of over two million dollars. “Initially, we started small, just covering basics,” says Rabbi Shlomo Lewenstein. “Now, it’s a whole operation with applications, partnerships with stores where we get great discounts, and a comprehensive package that includes everything from machzorim and jewelry for the kallah, to the chosson’s complete wardrobe so he can come to his wedding like a king.”

“It’s a very b’kavodige package, not over the top of course, but extremely standard, a level that’ll make the chosson and kallah happy,” adds Rabbi Katz.

The boys get to go to mainstream stores with regular appointments and bring their kallahs to beautiful silver and jewelry showrooms, where they’re treated with extraordinary service. The kallahs would never know. Everything is done to make them feel like normal, happy chassanim. Sometimes even the chosson himself doesn’t know!

Rabbi Levi highlights the careful consideration given to each case. “We do our homework. Our goal is to help those who truly need it.”

Rabbi Lewenstein underscores the personal nature of the work. “It’s named after my mother, a very special person who would do anything to help others. This organization reflects her values, and I’m honored to continue her legacy. I don’t sleep at night worrying about raising the necessary funds, because I don’t want to say no to any chosson.”

One of the innovative fundraising methods employed by Zichron Mattel is “Chassanim Helping Chassanim.” Rabbi Levi describes this as an impactful initiative where bachurim in BMG pledge part of the ma’aser from their wedding gifts toward the fund. “It’s a beautiful expression of sensitivity and achdus,” he says. “Initially, this approach was very effective, with a thousand bachurim contributing. However, as our budget has grown, we find ourselves in need of additional support.”

Rabbi Lewenstein shares a touching story of a donor who has a personal connection to the cause. “One older man, who couldn’t afford essentials when he got married, gives us a significant check every year. He understands the hardship and wants to help others avoid what he went through.”

The shadchanim behind Zichron Mattel are committed to their mission despite the challenges. “This isn’t what we signed up for,” Rabbi Levi admits. “We’re shadchanim. But we took on this extra responsibility because if we don’t do it, no one else will.”

Rabbi Levi further declares, “This tzedakah is closer to your home than you think. It can be your next-door neighbor. By the number of people we’re helping, it’s evident that this affects your friends and neighbors. This should touch your heart. It’s also a lot about supporting learning since the bulk of our boys are sons of rebbe’im and morahs who simply don’t have the means to make a wedding.”

In a heartfelt appeal, Rabbi Lewenstein urges the community to support Zichron Mattel. “We see the struggles firsthand. Families who just about make ends meet must face the enormous costs of a wedding, and they can’t make it work. We need your help to continue this important work.”

Rabbi Katz emphasizes the broader impact. “By helping chassanim start their married life with dignity, we’re building stronger, happier homes. This isn’t just about giving tzedakah; it’s about supporting the future of our community.”

Zichron Mattel stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of helping others during life’s most significant moments. By supporting Zichron Mattel, you can be a part of this extraordinary mitzvah, ensuring that every chosson can get married with dignity and joy and build a future filled with simchah and confidence.

Rabbi Levi concludes, “We see it as our responsibility because we’re in the shidduchim world. We see the need. We’re busy guiding boys through the shidduch process to become a chosson, and we think that every chosson deserves to feel like one.”

Don’t you agree?

Get engaged too. Get involved by showing your support today.

 

Call to donate: 732-978-9100

Rayze.it/zichronmattel

 

Sidebar 1

Numbers talk

2,174 chassanim to date

514 chassanim this year

$2 million+ annual budget

$4k per chosson (real value much more)

 

Sidebar 2

Families talk

Real Zichron Mattel stories

1. I wanted to give a hearty thank you to the organization and the people that run it. First and foremost, for the way the organization is run. Everything is done b’kavod for the chosson and kallah. Additionally, the quality of merchandise is unbelievable. No one felt like a nebach when “shopping” in the stores. On top of this, we, the parents, feel such a relief knowing that our child is being taken care of with the utmost consideration. Thank you for taking the stress out of this part of the wedding process.
2. You have given us the most priceless gift, the gift of pure joy and simchah! From the moment we contacted Keren Zichron Mattel, our stress and pressure was removed, and we were able to truly relish in the simchah of our son’s engagement. Starting with the chosson, you really fulfilled the verse “chosson domeh l’melech.” As he went shopping, he truly felt like a king! He came home from shopping laden with purchases, his face shining with the joy of a chosson. For us, the parents, gift giving was such a special time. Instead of spending hours researching each gift—how and where to purchase it at the best price—we followed your directions, which were so user-friendly! All the vendors on your list were so accommodating and made us feel like their most important customers. Even now, two months after the wedding, when we look back to the engagement, our hearts are filled with gratitude to Hashem for sending Zichron Mattel our way.
3. We have no words to thank you enough for all your assistance. We had a very special experience yesterday in the suit store and the jewelry shop. The generosity, sensitivity, and devotion left us with a very special feeling. Thank you, thank you.
4. No words can properly express our deep appreciation for the menuchas hanefesh you provided for us as we prepared for our son’s wedding. Klal Yisrael stands on your chassadim.

 

Data – sidebar

2015: 109 chassanim helped, $2,500 spent per chosson. Budget: $272,500

2016: 144 chassanim helped, $2,500 spent per chosson. Budget: $360,000

2017: 172 chassanim helped, $2,800 spent per chosson. Budget: $481,600

2018: 203 chassanim helped, $2,800 spent per chosson. Budget: $568,400

2019: 220 chassanim helped, $3,200 spent per chosson. Budget: $704,000

2020: 220 chassanim helped, $3,200 spent per chosson. Budget: $704,000

2021: 243 chassanim helped, $3,500 spent per chosson. Budget: $850,500

2022: 257 chassanim helped, $3,500 spent per chosson. Budget: $899,500

2023: 359 chassanim helped, $4,000 spent per chosson. Budget: $1,436,000

 

In 2024, the past six months we helped 247 chassanim. If we continue this trend…

2024: 514 chassanim helped, $4,000 spent per chosson. Budget: $2,056,000