Weddings

Your wedding is likely to be one of the most significant moments in your life. It marks the formal affirmation that you and your fiancé love one another, share a common set of beliefs and are ready to embark on a life of happiness together.

Whether you are looking to hold your wedding at Beth Shalom or out of town, we hope you’ll allow our community to share in the nachas (joy) of your wedding festivities.

Auf Ruf

An Auf Ruf (calling up) is a communal acknowledgement of your upcoming wedding. The kallah (bride) and chatan (groom) to-be are called before the congregation for an aliyah. Following the aliyah, the rabbi typically offers a few remarks and bestows a prayer on the wedding couple, before the congregation showers you with candy, symbolizing the sweetness of your upcoming union.

Whether you are having your wedding at Congregation Beth Shalom elsewhere, we invite you and your fiancé to share in your simcha by being called to the Torah for an aliyah prior to your wedding. To schedule your Auf Ruf, contact the Ritual Coordinator.

Officiating

Our Rabbi welcomes the opportunity to officiate at your wedding. Please note: Our tradition limits the time a service may begin on Saturday night and excludes certain days in the spring and summer. Contact the rabbinic office prior to setting the date and time of your ceremony.

Wedding Counseling

Prior to your wedding, the rabbi requires at least three one-hour counseling sessions with the wedding couple. This allows you the opportunity to get to know the rabbi, ask questions and work through the details of your ceremony. It also allows the rabbi to learn more about you and your fiancé and to anticipate your plans and Jewish life together. These sessions can be held by Skype or FaceTime for couples that do not reside in Kansas City.

Facilities

Beth Shalom’s spacious Goldsmith Hall can accommodate most wedding ceremonies. You may also choose to hold your wedding reception at our facility. We welcome the opportunity to show you our facilities and discuss your Simcha in greater detail. For details, please contact the Associate Executive Director for Programming.