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Aufruf
- A Torah Honor
Conservative Perspective
by Rivka C. Berman
Aufruf is a Yiddish word meaning to be
called up. The Shabbat before his wedding, a bride and a groom are called up to
the Torah or the aufruf. Aside from wishing the couple a hearty
Mazal Tov, the rabbi may offer a prayer for the marriage. .
Candy and raisins are thrown to wish the couple a sweet and fruitful life.
Children collect the goodies and gain a sense of the sweet potential of
marriage. In the Talmudic era, a newly-married couple had grains and nuts
tossed at them, but only in the summer. Winter mud eliminated the possibility of
retrieving the tossed food, and there is a commandment against willful wasting
of food.
Word to the wise. Choose pre-wrapped, soft candies. Check with the rabbi. Some
synagogues have pelting policies.
Hosting an after-service Kiddush or Oneg Shabbat is a way to share
a couple's happiness with the entire congregation. In years gone by, the portion
of Isaac and Rebeccas betrothal was read at the aufruf.
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