What began as a joyous wedding celebration nearly turned into a major crisis when the ring disappeared at the most critical moment of the kiddushin. Thanks to the presence of Rav Avraham Salim, however, the ceremony was able to proceed smoothly and according to halachah.

The incident took place Tuesday evening at D-City Hall during the wedding of a talmid of Rav Avraham Salim, Rosh Yeshivas Meor HaTorah and a member of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah of Shas.

As the chassan prepared to place the ring on the kallah’s finger, the ring slipped from his hand, fell onto the wooden floor, and disappeared into a narrow crack between the floorboards.

Initial efforts to retrieve the ring proved unsuccessful. The chassan, family members, and guests were left stunned as the unexpected mishap brought the ceremony to an abrupt halt at its most crucial stage. The tension in the hall was palpable as everyone searched for a solution.

Rav Salim, who was officiating at the wedding, immediately stepped in to calm the situation. Remaining composed, he reminded those present of the halachic principle that a woman may be married through several forms of monetary value.

“Ha’ishah nikneis b’shalosh derachim, v’harishonah shebahem hi kesef,” he said, citing the well-known halachic ruling that kiddushin can be effected through money.

Without hesitation, the Rosh Yeshiva asked the chassan whether he had cash on him. When the chassan produced a 100-shekel bill from his pocket, Rav Salim instructed him to use it for the kiddushin.

The chassan then recited the traditional declaration, “Harei at mekudeshes li b’kesef zeh k’das Moshe v’Yisroel,” formally betrothing the kallah with the banknote.

The quick solution allowed the wedding ceremony to continue without further interruption, much to the relief of the chassan, kallah, and the large crowd gathered for the simchah.

Guests said the unusual episode quickly became the talk of the evening and is likely to be remembered and retold at family celebrations for years to come.

{Matzav.com}