Aufruf Invitations — Celebrate the Chosson Before the Wedding
An Aufruf is the Shabbos before the wedding when the chosson is called to the Torah. Send a beautiful invitation in minutes. Hebrew & English. Customize and share instantly on WhatsApp.
Browse Aufruf Invitations →An Aufruf invitation announces the Shabbos before the wedding when the chosson (groom) is called to the Torah and the community celebrates the upcoming marriage. Bal Simcha offers customizable Aufruf invitation designs with Hebrew and English text, instant WhatsApp sharing, and video invitations for this joyful pre-wedding celebration.
Real designs you can edit online
A few of the Aufruf invitation designs on balsimcha.com. Tap one to open it in the editor and change every word.
What Is an Aufruf?
An Aufruf (from the Yiddish and German word meaning to call up) is the tradition of calling the chosson (groom) to the Torah on the Shabbos before his wedding. The chosson receives an aliyah, and after the aliyah, the congregation celebrates with the throwing of candy or raisins (symbolizing sweetness) and a Kiddush. The Aufruf is a joyful community celebration that honors the chosson and the upcoming marriage.
In Ashkenazi communities, the Aufruf is typically held on the Shabbos before the wedding. In some communities, it is held on the Shabbos after the wedding (then called a Shabbos Chosson). In Sephardic communities, a similar custom exists where the chosson is called to the Torah. The Aufruf is sometimes combined with a Kiddush sponsored by the family, and the invitation often covers both the aliyah and the Kiddush.
What to Include on an Aufruf Invitation
An Aufruf invitation should include the chosson's name, the parents' names (if they are sponsoring the Kiddush), the date (the Shabbos), the time (the davening time), and the location (the shul). If there will be a Kiddush after davening, mention it. The parsha can be included as well. The wording should be warm and celebratory.
On Bal Simcha, every word is customizable. Choose from our Aufruf invitation templates and tailor the wording to your celebration.
Aufruf Invitation Styles
Bal Simcha offers a range of Aufruf invitation designs — from traditional, dignified styles to warm, modern designs. Many feature Torah scroll and shul motifs. Our video invitations are especially popular for an Aufruf — an animated, personalized video that captures the joy of the occasion. For families who want printed invitations, we offer premium printing and shipping.
Some families combine the Aufruf invitation with the wedding invitation or send it as a separate card. On Bal Simcha, you can customize every detail.