Aufruf Invitation Wording Guide
Aufruf invitation wording announces the Shabbos before the wedding when the chosson is called to the Torah. The invitation should include the chosson's name, parents' names, the parsha, the date, the davening time, the shul, and whether there will be a Kiddush. Traditional communities include Hebrew text, and the wording should be warm and celebratory.
An Aufruf is the tradition of calling the chosson to the Torah on the Shabbos before his wedding. The invitation announces this joyful pre-wedding celebration. Here's how to word it.
What to Include on an Aufruf Invitation
Wording Examples
Traditional
"Mr. & Mrs. [Name] invite you to the Aufruf of their son [Name], who will be called to the Torah on Parshas [Parsha]. [Date] at [Time]. [Shul]. Kiddush to follow."
Hebrew + English
"בשעה טובה — We joyfully invite you to the Aufruf of [Name]. Parshas [Parsha], [Date] at [Time]. [Shul]."
Modern
"Join us as we celebrate [Name]'s Aufruf! He will be called to the Torah on [Date] at [Time]. [Shul]. Kiddush to follow."
Chassidish / Yiddish
"מיר לאדן אייך בשמחה רבה צום אויפרוף פון אונזער זון [שם] שיחי'. ער וועט לייענען פרשת [פרשה] [Date] ביי [Time] אין [Shul]. נאכהער וועט זיין א קידוש."
Should I Include the Parsha?
Yes — the parsha is a central part of the Aufruf. It tells guests which Torah portion the chosson will be called to. In traditional communities, the parsha is always included.
Should I Mention the Kiddush?
If the family is sponsoring a Kiddush after davening, mention it on the invitation. This helps guests know whether to stay for the Kiddush.
Example:
"Mr. & Mrs. [Name] invite you to the Aufruf of their son [Name], Parshas [Parsha]. [Date] at [Time]. [Shul]. Kiddush to follow in the social hall."
Aufruf vs. Shabbos Chosson
In some communities, the Aufruf is held on the Shabbos before the wedding. In others, it is held on the Shabbos after the wedding (called a Shabbos Chosson). Make sure your invitation reflects the correct timing.
Combining with the Wedding Invitation
Some families combine the Aufruf invitation with the wedding invitation. This is common when the Aufruf is the Shabbos immediately before the wedding. The combined card lists both the Aufruf (Shabbos) and the wedding (the following week).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Forgetting the parsha — traditional communities expect it
2. Not mentioning the Kiddush — guests want to know if there will be food
3. Not specifying the davening time — guests need to know when to come
4. Leaving out the shul address — don't assume everyone knows where it is
Customizing on Bal Simcha
On Bal Simcha, every word is customizable. Choose from our Aufruf invitation templates and tailor the wording to your celebration. Share instantly on WhatsApp or order printed invitations.
Browse Bal Simcha's wedding invitation designs — every design is editable online, in Hebrew, Yiddish and English, and can be shared straight to WhatsApp.
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.
