Sheva Berachos: Bringing Joy

Q. When attending a wedding or Sheva Berachos there is a mitzvah to bring joy to the chosson and kallah. Practically speaking, what does this mean?

A. Rav Belsky zt”l (Shulchan Halevi 27:26) writes that the Gemara (Kesubos 17a) records how different Tannaim and Amoraim would dance in front of the chosson and kallah to bring them joy. Dancing in front of the chosson or kallah is certainly one way to make them happy. However, not everyone is blessed with the ability to dance. Furthermore, not everyone can dance in the center with the chosson. Instead Rav Belsky explains that the main obligation to bring joy to the chosson and kallah is by smiling and demonstrating by your countenance and actions that you believe the chosson and kallah made an excellent decision. You should go over to the chosson and kallah and bless them, compliment them on their appearance, and commend them on making such a wise decision to marry their spouse.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.