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Aufruf (pronounced "owf-roof," or more colloquially "oof-roof ") is a German word meaning "calling up" and refers to a synagogue celebration generally held on the Shabbat preceding the wedding. In Reform congregations, the couple is 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 completing the concluding b'rachah, the congregation showers the couple with raisins, nuts, and sometimes candy, indicative of their good wishes for a sweet and fulfilling marriage. Alternately, an aufruf may take place during Friday night services, during which the rabbi will bless the couple.
