Kim & Josh’s traditional Jewish wedding was October 30, 2011, at Heska Amuna Synagogue in Knoxville, Tenn. Kim and Josh got married under the same Chuppah (marriage canopy) that the groom’s parents got married under 40 years ago! Also, be sure to check out the red kippahs (skull caps that men wear) with Kim and Josh’s names and wedding date on them!
Before their Jewish marriage ceremony, Josh had what is called a “Tisch” and Kim had a “Kabbalat Panim.” The groom’s tisch is a casual reception for the groom where the men drink, laugh, joke, dance and sing. The bride’s Kabbalat Panim is the reception for the bride (in a separate room from the men), and she sits in her gown while all the ladies greet her, like a receiving line. Kim’s mother sat to her left, and Josh’s mother sat to her right.
Then, Kim gave her sister a Kinyan (a token or object – which was his wedding ring), which was taken to Josh. When Josh accepted the ring, it meant that he accepted the terms of their marriage. After he accepted the Kinyan, he and all the other men from the tisch walked into the kabbalat panim and Josh placed the veil over Kim’s face. Then, their families had a blessing over the couple.
Their traditional Jewish ceremony began with Josh’s parents escorting him down the aisle, and Kim’s father and step-father escorting her down the aisle. In a traditional Jewish wedding, the groom stands on the left, and the bride stands on the right (opposite of Christian weddings). Josh’s parents stood under the left side of the Chuppah, and Kim’s parent’s stood on the right side under the Chuppah. Then, Josh unveiled Kim and circled around her 7 times. Then, they had their ring ceremony, the rabbi said 7 blessings, and their ketubah (marriage contract) was signed during the ceremony. The ceremony ended with Josh breaking a glass and everyone shouting “Mazel Tov!”
Kim and Josh’s reception was at The Foundry, and it ended with the Hora!
Kim’s flowers were by Lisa Foster Floral Design, her hair was by Natural Alternatives Salon, and her makeup was by Bangs & Blush.
To view more photos from their traditional Jewish wedding, visit our Facebook page.
