Hundreds of stressed-out kosher couples are set to descend on the first ever “Big Fat Jewish Wedding” expo in Park Slope today to plan their magnificent wedding-day celebrations.
The New York Post reports the organizers' claim that this expo is meant to be representative of and to serve all Jews from the most haredi to the most Reform, while at the same time the Post reports without comment that the wedding dresses will all comply with what is basically hasidic understanding of halakha – an understanding that is rejected by some non-hasidic haredi rabbis, by Modern Orthodoxy and by all non-Orthodox groups. And the Post also reports that non-Orthodox rabbis will be there as full participants. What this says about the Post's reporting and/or the organizers' actual intent I'll leave to your imaginations:
…Hundreds of stressed-out kosher couples are set to descend on the first ever “Big Fat Jewish Wedding” expo in Park Slope today to plan their magnificent wedding-day celebrations.
From a dizzying array of prospective rabbis to high-end wigs…even the choosiest of the chosen ones can find whatever their Hebrew hearts desire.
“The goal is to serve as many of the Jewish sects and backgrounds as possible,” said 24-year-old founder Avi Werde. “This has never been done to this scale for Jewish clientele.”
Werde said he expects more than 500 couples to select from a wide variety of wedding singers, caterers and gown makers at the expo, which is taking place at Brooklyn’s Grand Prospect Hall.
But don’t expect any plunging necklines and tight fits — a catwalk fashion show will present dresses marked by modesty. That means hemlines to the ankle, long sleeves, and an appropriate amount of snugness.
From Hasidim to the reform, Werde said that every Jewish group will be represented and that rabbis of all backgrounds will tout their officiating talents to prospective clients.
“I want the experience of your wedding to be memorable and enjoyable to you,” Werde said. Brides and grooms can ask them questions, like what is your style of officiating? What is your background? The idea is if they need a rabbi, they’ll be able to walk out with one.”…