Keren Simchat Chatan V'Kallah (KSCVK)

KSCVK is a charity organization in Crown Heights that assists with wedding expenses for low-income families, orphans, baalei teshuva (returnees to Judaism), mekuravim (those becoming closer to Judaism), and others.

In addition to financial participation in wedding event expenses, the organization provides comprehensive assistance in purchasing clothing, household items, and other needs related to establishing a home.

History

The organization was established in 1993 by Mrs. Devorah Benjamin and her husband, R' Shmuel, with the goal of helping low-income brides and grooms celebrate their wedding like everyone else. This was inspired by an incident with the Rebbe, who heard from his room's window a wedding taking place in the 770 courtyard without a band accompanying the bride and groom to the chuppah. When he inquired about the reason, he instructed that a band be hired and said he would pay for it himself.

In the early years, fundraising for the organization's activities was conducted solely by the couple themselves, with Mrs. Benjamin sitting for several hours each day throughout the year at the center of Kingston Avenue's commercial strip collecting donations from passersby, while her husband would go around with a charity box among worshippers during fast days and special occasions.

In the first year, the organization's annual turnover was only $30,000, and they managed to help 15 couples get married, with each receiving assistance of just $2,000.

Today, in addition to the couple's personal fundraising efforts that have continued with dedication through direct human connection for decades, the organization holds an annual fundraising event near Shavuot, which marks the beginning of the Chabad wedding season, as well as a festive fundraising dinner.

As of 2023, the organization's annual turnover exceeds $1,000,000, and financial assistance for each wedding is granted according to needs, with some weddings being fully funded by the organization.