Aufruf
The Shabbat before the big day
Aufruf — Yiddish for 'calling up'. On the Shabbat preceding his wedding, the groom is called up to the Torah. The congregation throws candy at him as he steps down (symbol of a sweet life). Family kiddush follows the service. Tov handles the invitation, the RSVP, and Hebrew for traditional guests.
Why Tov for an Aufruf
The Ashkenazi
tradition
Shabbat at the synagogue
Aufruf takes place during Shabbat morning service — the groom is called to the Torah for the last time as a bachelor. Tov lets you specify: synagogue name, service time, who's invited to the kiddush that follows.
Candy throw + kiddush
Tradition: the congregation throws candy at the groom as he descends (symbol of a sweet life). The kiddush following the service is open to the community, usually sponsored by the groom's family. Mention it on the invitation.
Hebrew for the community
Aufruf gathers the synagogue community — often traditional, often Hebrew-speaking. The Tov invitation detects each guest's language and shows Hebrew for those who need it.
Questions about Aufruf
Your questions,
our answers.
When exactly does Aufruf happen?
Ashkenazi tradition: the Shabbat preceding the wedding. During the morning service (Shabbat shacharit), at the Torah reading. The groom is called up for a blessing (aliyah).
Does the bride participate?
Orthodox Ashkenazi tradition: no, Aufruf is for the groom alone. Liberal or Conservative tradition: yes, both can be called up together. Sephardic tradition: the equivalent (Shabbat hatan) happens differently, sometimes without a formal aliyah.
Do I have to invite the whole synagogue?
Shabbat service is open to the whole community — you don't formally invite. However, the kiddush that follows is sponsored by your family (wine, cakes, sometimes more). Mention on the invitation who is specifically invited to the kiddush.
How long before the wedding?
Exactly the preceding Shabbat — so 1 to 6 days before the wedding. If the wedding is Sunday, Aufruf is the day before. If Wednesday, it's 4 days before.
Mazal tov!
Announce the Aufruf
now.
Ashkenazi tradition, Hebrew included, open kiddush. 3 minutes, free.