aufruf

Aufruf (pronounced “owf-roof” or more colloquially “oof-roof”) is a German word meaning “calling up” and refers to a synagogue celebration on the Shabbat preceding the wedding. The custom is biblically based. According to the Talmud, King Solomon built a gate in the Jerusalem Temple where Jews would sit on Shabbat and honor new grooms.

The bride and groom are called to the Torah for an Aliyah (the honor of reciting the blessings before and after the reading of a section of the Torah) on the Shabbat morning prior to the wedding. After they conclude the blessing, the congregation sometimes showers the couple with candy, indicative of their good wishes for a sweet and fulfilling marriage. An aufruf may also take place during Friday night services, at which time the Rabbi will bless the bride and groom.

Fee - This is free to members and their adult children to be wed. A tax deductible donation to Congregation Etz Chaim in the amount of $180 is requested from non-members.