In Jewish weddings the custom is to break a glass prior to the culmination of the wedding ceremony. It seems a bit strange to some that something would be broken just as a couple is about to embark on their life together. But the message and reason is quite powerful. The idea of the broken glass is to remember, at the height of one’s joy, that there is suffering around us. That we live in a broken world. And specifically at a time of celebration, we want to be empathetic to those who are dealing with challenge. Mordechai Avot, 22, truly lived this concept. Mordechai, a volunteer for Magen David Adom (an emergency medical service in Israel), was traveling with his friend, Uri Yemini, 21, a paramedic and ambulance driver, when they spotted a car accident. Though Mordechai was in his suit, on the way to his own wedding, he jumped out of the car and ran to help. He wasn’t concerned that he would ruin his clothing or be late for his wedding ceremony, help was needed and he was in a position to help. The pair administered first aid, alerted oncoming cars of the accident, and took care of all they could until additional help arrived. Only then did they leave so that Mordechai could get married. Wrinkled and dirtied suit or not, there is no question that there was no better way he could have possibly prepared for his wedding than to selflessly and wholeheartedly help others in need.
Cover Photo: Magen David Adom
