Tablet Studios How to Be a Jew ... Who Says Yes to the Dress
May 14, 2025
Pnina Tornai, an Israeli fashion and wedding dress designer known from TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, shares her inspiring journey in bridal fashion. She discusses the importance of intuition and resilience in her success from Israel to global markets. Tornai explores the spiritual elements of Jewish weddings, emphasizing joy under the chuppah. She also reflects on the emotional connections brides have with their dresses, particularly during challenging times like the COVID pandemic, merging cultural identity with compassion.
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Pnina's Early Bridal Success
- Pnina Tornai started designing wedding dresses in Israel with one seamstress and no formal fashion training.
- Her dresses became an instant success, leading to long lines of brides and growing demand.
Vision to Kleinfeld Breakthrough
- Pnina had a vision of wedding dresses falling from the sky inspiring her calling.
- Despite initial rejection from Kleinfeld, she persisted and eventually became a top bridal designer in the U.S.
Jewish Weddings' Sacred Joy
- The Jewish wedding emphasizes making the bride and groom happy above all.
- The Shekhinah's presence at weddings adds a sacred spiritual energy contributing to joy.