Bal Simcha — Jewish simcha invitations
Blog·Wording·April 2026·5 min read

Pidyon Haben Invitation Wording Guide

Pidyon Haben invitation wording announces the redemption of a firstborn Jewish son on the thirty-first day after birth. The invitation should include the baby's name, parents' names, date, time, location, and that it is a seudas mitzvah. Traditional communities include Hebrew text, and the wording should reflect the significance of this mitzvah.

A Pidyon Haben is the mitzvah of redeeming a firstborn Jewish son. The invitation announces this sacred milestone. Here's how to word it.


What to Include on a Pidyon Haben Invitation


  • The baby's name (Hebrew and English)
  • Parents' names
  • Date — the 31st day after birth
  • Time — the Pidyon Haben time
  • Location — the home or shul
  • That it is a seudas mitzvah (a festive meal)
  • The kohen's name (optional)

  • Wording Examples


    Traditional

    "With great joy, we invite you to the Pidyon Haben of our son [Name]. [Date] at [Time]. [Location]. Seudas mitzvah to follow."


    Hebrew + English

    "בשעה טובה ומוצלחת — We joyfully invite you to the Pidyon Haben of our son [Name]. [Date] at [Time]. [Location]."


    Modern

    "Join us as we celebrate the Pidyon Haben of our firstborn son [Name]! [Date] at [Time]. [Location]. Dinner to follow."


    Sephardic

    "בשעה טובה — The [Family] family joyfully invites you to the Pidyon Haben of our son [Name]. [Date] at [Time]. [Location]. Seudah to follow."


    Should I Mention the Kohen?


    The Pidyon Haben requires a kohen — the father redeems the son by paying five silver shekalim to a kohen. Some families include the kohen's name on the invitation, especially if the kohen is a family member or a well-known community member. It is optional.


    Should I Mention the Seudah?


    Yes — a Pidyon Haben is a seudas mitzvah (a festive meal), and guests should know there will be food. Mention it on the invitation.


    When Is the Pidyon Haben Held?


    The Pidyon Haben is held on the 31st day after the birth of a firstborn Jewish son. The 30th day is the day of birth, and the redemption is done on the next day. If the 31st day is Shabbos or a Yom Tov, the Pidyon Haben is delayed.


    Who Needs a Pidyon Haben?


    Not every firstborn son requires a Pidyon Haben. The mitzvah applies only to:

  • A firstborn male
  • Born naturally (not by caesarean section)
  • To a Jewish mother who did not previously have children
  • Whose father is not a kohen or levi
  • Whose mother is not a bas kohen or bas levi

  • Common Mistakes to Avoid


    1. Not mentioning the seudah — guests should know there will be a meal

    2. Forgetting the Hebrew date — traditional communities expect it

    3. Not specifying the location — especially if it is at a private home

    4. Making it too casual — a Pidyon Haben is a significant mitzvah, and the wording should reflect that


    Customizing on Bal Simcha


    On Bal Simcha, every word is customizable. Choose from our Pidyon Haben invitation templates and tailor the wording to your celebration. Share instantly on WhatsApp or order printed invitations.


    Browse Bal Simcha's Pidyon Haben 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 Pidyon Haben invitation designs on balsimcha.com. Tap one to open it in the editor and change every word.

    Pidyon Haben invitation design PB-202 by Bal Simcha — הזמנה לפדיון הבן
    Edit this design →
    See all Pidyon Haben invitation designs on balsimcha.com →

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What should a Pidyon Haben invitation say?
    A Pidyon Haben invitation should include the baby's name, parents' names, date, time, location, and that it is a seudas mitzvah. Traditional communities include Hebrew text.
    When is a Pidyon Haben held?
    On the 31st day after the birth of a firstborn Jewish son. If the 31st day is Shabbos or a Yom Tov, the Pidyon Haben is delayed.
    Should I mention the kohen on the invitation?
    It's optional. Some families include the kohen's name, especially if the kohen is a family member or a well-known community member.
    Does every firstborn son need a Pidyon Haben?
    No. The mitzvah applies only to a firstborn male born naturally to a Jewish mother who did not previously have children, and whose father is not a kohen or levi.
    Should I mention the seudah on the invitation?
    Yes. A Pidyon Haben is a seudas mitzvah, and guests should know there will be a meal. Mention it on the invitation.
    Browse Invitations
    Pidyon Haben invitation designs on balsimcha.com →Our Pidyon Haben invitation guide →
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