On May 5, the bimah at Beth El Temple in West Hartford will be the stage for “Brides through the Years,” a fashion show highlighting wedding gowns from the ‘50s up to the present.

Rosalind Rachlin of West Hartford models a wedding gown.

The event is sponsored by Beth El Sisterhood. Organizers were assisted by Karen Worobow, owner of Stars in Avon, and The Hair Color Company in West Hartford Center.

Sisterhood board member Bobby Klau originally came up with the idea, “and it just took off,” she says, with many women from the congregation offering their wedding gowns for the show. The dresses range in time from contemporary designs, loaned by Stars in Avon, to dresses that are nearly 60 years old. The story and owner behind each gown will be narrated as it is modeled on the sanctuary bimah under a traditional chupah. The fashion show will include younger congregants posing as flower girls and tuxedoed assistants.

“This is a real slice of Beth El history and community history,” Klau says.

The show, followed by a celebratory champagne and wedding cake reception, will be complemented by an exhibit of bridal gowns and framed ketubot.

For more information call (860) 233-9696 or see the Ledger’s What’s Happening section, p. 30.