More than 9,000 ultra-Orthodox couples marry every year in Israel. Many of them are in their early 20s, and by custom, the parents of the bride and groom cover all the wedding expenses as well as the costs associated with starting married life together. In practice, this not only includes such things as furniture, but also the cost of all, or at least part, of an apartment. After all, the couples have no money of their own. How do ultra-Orthodox parents manage to pay such costs? How can they marry off seven children — the average number of children in ultra-Orthodox households — when they are not wealthy or have no significant inheritance? The answer is complex, testifying to good financial management and the advantages of strong community.

In most basic terms, there are two components to how the ultra-Orthodox manage to marry off their children: a system of interest-free loans and restrained consumption (especially compared with the broader society). Yet, it cannot be emphasized enough that it is still a difficult undertaking for large segments of the ultra-Orthodox community, among whom many live in difficult, subsistence conditions.

Charitable loan societies, based on the Jewish obligation to assist others, are intriguing social institutions within the ultra-Orthodox community. There is hardly a building in heavily ultra-Orthodox areas without some sort of charity. These groups specialize in everything, from pacifiers to car racks to cribs to tools. Together, they offer almost everything imaginable. Their goods are also free, although some organizations take checks to guarantee that some loaned items are returned intact.

One type of charitable institution actually lends money. Dozens of such banks operate in the ultra-Orthodox community, lending sums large and small, at 0% interest and without commissions or other costs, to anyone who asks. Smaller loan societies deal with amounts up to $1,000, while the larger ones might lend as much as $15,000 to individuals. Charitable wealthy individuals provide the funding for these institutions, hoping to help individuals in need.