Glossary

Chatan

Hebrew for "groom"

Kallah

Hebrew for "bride"

Aufruf

Yiddush for "Calling Up"

The Shabbat when the groom is called up to the Torah (in Ashkenazi custom). Pronunced: UF - ruf

Shabbat Chatan

Hebrew for "Groom's Sabbath"

The Shabbat when the groom is called up to the Torah (in Sefardic custom).

Kabbalat Panim

Hebrew for "the receiving of faces"

On their wedding day, the bride and groom each attain the status of royalty and thus receive their guests like a queen and king. Thus, the bride and groom each host their own reception (Hachnasat Kallah & Chatan's Tisch) where guests may greet them accordingly. During the Chatan's Tisch, the groom will often share some words of Torah--although it may be interspersed with joyful singing! When this is finished, the groom signs the ketubah (marriage license), and the guests escort him to the bedeken. The bride and groom may also give blessings at this time, while they are spiritually elevated. Have something you'd like the bride or groom to pray for? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/t9kaKgDV7YDCexfr9

Bedeken

Yiddush for "Veiling"

The veiling ceremony takes place at the end of the Kabbalat Panim. The groom is escorted by his guests over to the bride, where he personally lowers her veil. This custom originates from the Hebrew Bible, when Isaac had intended to marry Rebecca but was tricked into marrying Leah, whose face had been covered during the entirety of the wedding.

Chuppah

Hebrew for "Covering/Protection"

The chuppah is a tapestry attached to four poles that forms a roof for the bride and groom, resembling their new home. The wedding ceremony occurs with the groom, bride, and both of their immediate families standing under the chuppah.

Sheva Brachot

Hebrew for "seven blessings"

These are the blessings that are recited for the bride and groom as part of the wedding ceremony. In addition, these blessings are recited at the end of a meal held for the bride and groom for 7 days including the day of the wedding. These meals are thus commonly referred to as "Sheva Brachot," as they are held in order to shower the new couple with blessings on the week following their marriage.