Quick Answer
What is an aufruf?
An aufruf (Yiddish for "calling up") is the custom of the groom — and in many communities today, the bride as well — being called up for an aliyah, a blessing over the Torah reading, at synagogue on the Shabbat before the wedding. Congregants often throw candy at the couple afterward as a wish for a sweet life together.
Last updated:
Last updated:
What is an aufruf?
Also called: ufruf, the calling up.
An aufruf brings the wedding into the couple's community before the wedding day itself — on the Shabbat before the ceremony, the groom (often joined by the bride in more egalitarian communities) is called up in synagogue for an aliyah, a special blessing over the Torah reading. It is a small, public marker that the wedding is imminent, and it usually ends with a shower of candy thrown at the couple by the congregation.
What happens at an aufruf
During the Shabbat morning Torah reading, the groom is called up for an aliyah — reciting the blessings before and after a portion of the Torah is read. Afterward, congregants traditionally throw candy at the couple, a custom meant to wish them a sweet life together. Many families follow the synagogue service with a kiddush luncheon or reception to celebrate with the wider community.
- •Takes place on the Shabbat immediately before the wedding, at the couple's synagogue.
- •Traditionally the groom is called up, though many egalitarian communities call up the bride as well or jointly.
- •Often followed by a candy toss from the congregation and a celebratory kiddush or luncheon.
Planning notes
- •Coordinate with the synagogue and rabbi well in advance to schedule the aliyah on the correct Shabbat.
- •If hosting a kiddush or luncheon afterward, treat it as its own small event with its own catering and guest list considerations.
- •Let out-of-town guests know if the aufruf is open to them, since some travel in specifically for that Shabbat rather than just the wedding.
Manage the aufruf and wedding as linked events
Weddingkart's multi-event support lets you manage several linked functions — each with its own guest list and schedule — inside a single wedding workspace.
See multi-event support →Frequently Asked Questions
When does the aufruf happen relative to the wedding?
On the Shabbat immediately before the wedding, at the couple's synagogue, typically during the Torah reading portion of the service.
Why do people throw candy at an aufruf?
It is a customary way of wishing the couple a sweet life together, thrown at them by the congregation right after the aliyah blessing is completed.
Does only the groom get called up for an aufruf?
Traditionally yes, though many egalitarian and Conservative or Reform communities today call up the bride as well, either separately or jointly with the groom.
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By Mayank JaiswalLast updated