What to write on an aufruf invitation
The Shabbat when the groom is called up to the Torah: how to announce it, from the most classic to the warmest.
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The aufruf (a Yiddish word meaning “calling up”) is the Shabbat, usually the one before the wedding, when the chatan (the groom) is called to the Torah for an aliyah at the synagogue. The name “aufruf” and the candy tradition are Ashkenazi, but the principle of honoring the chatan with a special Shabbat, sometimes called “Shabbat Chatan,” is shared by all communities. Among Sephardic and Mizrahi families, this Shabbat may take place before OR after the wedding depending on family custom, often during the Sheva Brachot. After the service, a kiddush or reception is generally held in honor of the couple, sometimes with a shower of candy thrown at the groom by the congregation, a joyful gesture symbolizing wishes for a sweet marriage ahead. The invitation or message therefore covers two moments: the service (with the time of the aliyah if it is known) and the kiddush or reception that follows.
What to spell out
- The synagogue and the start time of the service (the exact time of the aliyah is not always known in advance: write “around” if needed)
- The name of the chatan (and often the kallah, the bride-to-be, even though she is not called to the Torah)
- The place and time of the kiddush or reception that follows
- If the candy custom is planned, a playful mention can be added
- The date of the upcoming wedding, if the aufruf is held several weeks before
The name “aufruf” and its exact customs (candy, the Shabbat before the wedding) are Ashkenazi. Sephardic and Mizrahi families also honor the chatan with a special Shabbat, but depending on the family it may take place before OR after the wedding, often during the Sheva Brachot. If that is your case, adapt the date and check the exact custom with your rabbi or synagogue before using this format as it stands.
Example wordings
Mr. and Mrs. [Name] are delighted to invite you to the aufruf of their son [First name] who will be called to the Torah on Shabbat, [date], at [Name] Synagogue service at 9:00 a.m. Kiddush following the service, in the synagogue In honor of his wedding to [First name] on [date]
A special Shabbat is coming! [First name] will be called to the Torah this Shabbat, [date], at [Name] Synagogue (service at 9 a.m.), before his wedding to [First name] on [date]. Come one, come all, and be ready to catch a few candies! Kiddush to follow, everyone is welcome.
[First name]’s aufruf is this Shabbat at [Name] Synagogue, service at 9 a.m. Kiddush after the service to celebrate before the wedding on [date]. Come with some sweetness in your pockets
In honor of the aufruf of [First name] [Last name] called to the Torah on Shabbat, [date], at [Name] Synagogue A reception will follow at 12:30 p.m. [venue, address] We look forward to celebrating this moment with you before his wedding to [First name]
This Shabbat, [First name] will be called to the Torah for the last time before his wedding, an Ashkenazi custom called an aufruf. The congregation traditionally throws candy at him as a sign of good wishes! Service at 9:00 a.m., [Name] Synagogue. Kiddush to follow, come celebrate with us.
Mr. and Mrs. [Name] are delighted to invite you to the Shabbat Chatan of their son [First name] and his wife [First name], during the week of Sheva Brachot Service on Shabbat, [date], at 9:00 a.m. [Name] Synagogue, [address] Kiddush following the service The wedding took place on [date]
Aufruf of [First name] Shabbat, [date] · service at 9:00 a.m. [Name] Synagogue Kiddush following the service Wedding on [date]
Honorifics
If one of the chatan’s parents has passed away, add z"l after the name: zichrono livracha for a man, zichrona livracha for a woman (“of blessed memory”), as on a classic wedding invitation. The officiating rabbi, if named, may be preceded by “Rav” or followed by shlit"a, depending on the community’s custom.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Presenting the aufruf as a universal custom: it is mainly an Ashkenazi practice, and unless you have checked, it is better to say so, to avoid misleading guests from other traditions.
- Forgetting to give the time of the service, when the aliyah itself can come at a variable point in the service: the start time of the service remains the most reliable reference.
- Not mentioning the kiddush or reception that follows, when it is often the moment when most guests come together.
- Neglecting to include the date of the upcoming wedding, which many guests like to find on the same message.
Checklist: don’t forget
- Name of the chatan (and the kallah, if mentioned)
- Synagogue and start time of the service
- Place and time of the kiddush or reception
- Date of the upcoming wedding
- Mention of the candy custom, if planned
- Contact for questions
What’s next?
An invitation true to your traditions.
In 4 languages, with Hebrew set the way it should be and replies tracked household by household.
