By the Grace of G-dBrooklyn, N.Y.

... A Jewish marriage is called Binyan Adei Ad¹ — an “everlasting edifice.” In order that the edifice of marriage should indeed be strong and lasting, everything connected with the wedding, as well as with the establishment of the couple’s home, should be in full compliance with the instructions of Torah. For our Torah is called Toras Chaim,² the Torah of Life; it is the source of everlasting life in the Hereafter, as well as the true guide to life on earth.

The analogy of a marriage to an “everlasting edifice” is not merely a figure of speech, but contains also an important idea and moral. In the case of any structure, the first and most important step is to ensure the quality and durability of the foundation. Without such a foundation all the efforts put into the walls, roof, decorations and so on, would be of no avail. This is even more true of the structure of marriage; if its foundation should be unstable, what tragedy could result! This is why a Jewish marriage must, first of all, be based on the rock-solid foundation of the Torah and Mitzvos; then follows the blessing of the joy and happiness of the beloved couple for the rest of their lives.

In every matter concerning the observance of Torah we follow the principle that “all Jews are responsible for one another.”³ Not only are we to practice the Mitzvos ourselves, but we should also interest and assist others in their observance. In view of this it is clear that there is a standing obligation upon everyone to help a bride and groom establish an “everlasting edifice.”

We should show them how and why to maintain a kosher kitchen in their new home. We should introduce them to the beauty of Shabbos, and show them how the laws and regulations of Taharas HaMishpacha (“family purity,” involving immersion in a Mikva, etc.) bring sanctity to marital relations. Let no one think it is a matter of the young couple’s own personal life, in which no one has a right to interfere. Such a viewpoint is totally unjustified. Surely when one sees someone bent on harming herself or himself and their children or — worse still — about to do something which might lead to self-destruction, G-d forbid, no one would consider it “interference” or “encroachment” to try and prevent that person from harming himself. Similarly, when there is an opportunity to help someone with a lasting benefit, it is surely an elementary duty to do so — especially where the benefit is a truly everlasting one...