In our generation, we see many families going into massive debt for weddings - spending fifty thousand, one hundred thousand, even two hundred thousand dollars on a single event. Is this consistent with Torah values, or have we lost our way in trying to compete with others and chase after kavod?

We've lost our way. Lavish weddings costing hundreds of thousands are an insane betrayal of Torah values. Driven by pride and competitive showing-off, this forces families into unaffordable debt for superficial displays, rendering tzedakah for such purposes illegitimate. Lakewood Rabbanim, recognizing this crisis, decreed a $50,000 wedding cap—still high. True simcha is spiritual, rooted in kedushah and yirat Shamayim, not a superficial show fueled by the destructive traits of envy, lust, and honor. Moreover, these lavish spenders often neglect vital tzedakah for Torah learning and communal needs. We must return to our roots: Torah, mitzvot, and building spiritual homes, not wasteful ostentation.