Jewish Wedding Invites: Hebrew, A Requirement Or An Option?

Jewish wedding invitations are a special way for couples to incorporate their values and important symbols. While there is no single correct way to word a Jewish wedding invitation, there are some traditional elements to consider. One such element is listing the date in Hebrew, which involves finding the corresponding date in the Hebrew calendar. In some communities, it is also common to include all the information in Hebrew on one side of the invitation. Jewish wedding invitations often emphasise joy and celebration and may include religious phrasing and quotes. Couples may also choose to incorporate Jewish symbols such as the Star of David or the Tree of Life in their invitation design. Ultimately, Jewish wedding invitations provide an opportunity for couples to share their Jewish values with their guests and add meaning to their special day.

Hebrew and English on the invitation

Jewish wedding invitations are a great way to incorporate Jewish values and important symbols, such as the Chuppah, Tree of Life, Jerusalem, Star of David, and Tallit. There is no single correct way to word a Jewish wedding invitation, and there are many ways to incorporate Hebrew phrases and words that evoke a sense of reverence and respect for the special day.

When including both Hebrew and English on the invitation, there are a few layout options to consider:

• One Side Invitation: Side-by-side format or English at the top and Hebrew at the bottom
• Two-Sided Invitation: Identical Hebrew invitation on one side and English wording on the other
• Folder Invitation: The front displays the invitation design, with Hebrew on the right inside and English on the left
• One Card – English with Few Hebrew Details: Invitation details in English, including the couple’s names and the date in both English and Hebrew, printed on one card

It is also common for couples to include a Hebrew Pasook (verse from the Torah) in their Jewish or Hebrew wedding invitations. Here are some examples:

• "I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine – אני לדודי ודודי לי" (Song of Solomon 6:3)
• "I have found the one whom my soul loves – מצאתי את שאהבה נפשי" (Song of Solomon 3:4)
• "Od Yisama B’ari Yehuda U’Bechutoz Yerushalayim” עוד ישמע בערי יהודה ובחוצות ירושלים" (Jeremiah 33:10-11)
• "Kol Sasson V’Kol Simchah Kol Chatan V’kol Kallah – עוד ישמע בערי יהודה ובחוצות ירושלים, קול ששון וקול שמחה קול חתן וקול כלה" (Jeremiah 33:11)
• "It Is Not Good For The Man or Woman To Be Alone – לא טוב היות האדם לבדו" (Genesis 2:18)

In addition to the Hebrew date and translation, some other elements that can be included in a Jewish wedding invitation are:

• A request to attend or witness the ceremony
• Names of the couple-to-be
• Date, time, and location of the event
• Reception information
• A link to a wedding website or blog
• RSVP card or details, including the deadline and how to RSVP

Hebrew date and translation

Jewish wedding invitations are a wonderful opportunity to share your Jewish values with your guests and add meaning to your big day. There are many ways to incorporate your heritage and traditions into your wedding invitations, and there is no wrong way to do it. Here are some ideas for including the Hebrew date and translation on your Jewish wedding invitations:

Hebrew Date

Including the Hebrew date on your wedding invitation is a traditional element of Jewish wedding invitations. This involves finding the corresponding date in the Hebrew calendar to the secular date of your wedding. You can list the Hebrew date alongside the secular date, or you may choose to include only the Hebrew date. Here are some examples of how to word the Hebrew date:

• " (Name of bride/groom) and (Name of bride/groom) joyously invite you to celebrate their wedding on the (day of the month) of (Hebrew month), corresponding to the (day of the month) of (secular month)."
• "On the first day of (Hebrew month) (list secular date in parentheses), (bride/groom) and (bride/groom) invite you to witness their marriage under the chuppah".

Hebrew Translation

In some Jewish communities, it is common to include all the information in Hebrew on the left side of the wedding invitation. This is especially prevalent among Orthodox Jewish communities, Sephardic or Mizrachi couples, or couples with many Israeli relatives. If you choose to include a Hebrew translation on your invitation, be sure to have it reviewed by someone who knows Hebrew for accuracy. Here are some other elements you may want to include in your Hebrew translation:

• Hebrew names of the couple: If either party has a Hebrew name, it is traditional to use these names on the Hebrew side of the invitation.
• Emphasize joy and celebration: Instead of using formal phrasing such as "request the honour of your presence", opt for phrases like "share in our joy".
• Use "and" instead of "to": It is standard practice in Jewish wedding invitations to use the word "and" between the names of the couple, signifying their love and commitment.
• Include both sets of parents: Mentioning the names of both sets of parents emphasizes familial unity and celebrates the role of the family in the wedding celebration.
• Consider including the time of the Chuppah: Jewish weddings often include a cocktail hour before the ceremony (Chuppah). By including the time of the Chuppah, you ensure that guests don't miss this important moment.
• Religious phrasing and quotes: You may choose to open your invitation with traditional language expressing gratitude to God or using Hebrew terms. Including a Bible verse or a Hebrew divine name adds a spiritual element. However, some observant Jewish couples may refrain from writing the name of God in Hebrew, as this may render the invitation a sacred document that cannot be thrown away.

Emphasise joy and celebration

Jewish wedding invitations are a wonderful opportunity to emphasise joy and celebration. While there is no single way to word a Jewish wedding invitation, there are some traditional elements that can be included to convey happiness and excitement for the upcoming nuptials.

Firstly, it is customary to include the Hebrew date of the wedding ceremony on the invitation, and to find the corresponding date in the Hebrew calendar. This is especially common for Orthodox Jewish weddings, or for couples with many Israeli relatives. The Hebrew date can be included in a variety of ways, such as:

> On the first day of (Hebrew month) (list secular date in parentheses), (bride/groom) and (bride/groom) invite you to witness their marriage under the chuppah.

Another way to emphasise joy is to use phrases such as "share in our joy" instead of more formal wording like "request the honour of your presence". This reflects the celebratory nature of a Jewish wedding and invites guests to participate in the happiness of the occasion.

Including both sets of parents on the invitation is another way to emphasise familial unity and joy. Here is an example of how this can be worded:

> (Parents of groom) Request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter (bride’s name) and (groom’s name) Son of (parents of groom)

Together with their parents, (name of bride/groom) and (name of bride/groom) joyously invite you to celebrate their wedding day on the first of (Hebrew month), corresponding to (secular date).

The inclusion of religious phrasing and quotes can also add a joyful tone to the invitation. Some couples may choose to open their invitation with traditional language expressing gratitude to God or using Hebrew terms. For example:

> With joy in our hearts, we invite you to share in our Simcha.

> With gratitude to Hashem, (name of parents) invite you to the wedding of (name of couple).

> It is with profound joy and gratitude to God that we invite you to witness the marriage of (name of the couple).

Overall, the key to emphasising joy and celebration in a Jewish wedding invitation is to focus on the happiness and excitement of the occasion, using language and phrases that reflect the celebratory nature of the event.

Include both sets of parents

Including both sets of parents on a Jewish wedding invitation is a way to emphasise the familial unity of the soon-to-be-married couple and celebrate the role of the family in the wedding celebration.

The invitation should be issued in the name of the host, following general wedding invitation etiquette. However, the names of both sets of parents should be mentioned on the invitation. Here are some examples of how to word the invitation:

"Together with their parents, [name of bride/groom] and [name of bride/groom] joyously invite you to celebrate their wedding day on the first of [Hebrew month], corresponding to [secular date]."

"(Parents of the groom) Request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter [bride's name] and [groom's name], son of [parents of the groom]."

"Together with their parents, [groom's name] and [bride's name] request your presence in the celebration of their marriage."

"With pride and joy, we request you to join us in witnessing the commitment of our children [bride and groom's names] under the chuppah."

It is worth noting that Jewish wedding invitations often have a specific format, with the bride's parents' names on one side and the groom's parents' names on the other.

Religious phrasing and quotes

Jewish wedding invitations are a great way to honour your heritage and faith, and religious phrasing and quotes can be used to emphasise this. From biblical verses to phrases describing marriage as an expression of God's love, there are many options for what sort of religious phrasing a couple might want to include on their wedding invitation.

Some invitations will open with traditional language expressing gratitude to God, or using Hebrew terms. A very traditional Jewish wedding invitation might include the three Hebrew letters of beit, samech, and dalet in the upper-righthand corner, to signify divine approval of the union.

For many couples, a Bible verse or Hebrew divine name adds a spiritual element to the invitation. Some observant Jewish couples might refrain from including religious quotes or writing the name of God in Hebrew, as some communities believe this would make the invitation a sacred document that cannot be thrown away.

• "With joy in our hearts, we invite you to share in our Simcha."
• "With gratitude to Hashem, [name of parents] invite you to the wedding of [name of couple]."
• "It is with profound joy and gratitude to God that we invite you to witness the marriage of [name of couple]."
• " [Names of both sets of parents] invite you to celebrate in the Simcha of our children’s wedding."
• "I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Songs 6:3)
• “I have found the one in whom my soul delights.” (Song of Songs 3:4)
• “And again it shall be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride.” (Jeremiah 33:10-11)
• “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)
• "A husband and wife are one soul, separated only through their descent to this world. When they are married, they are reunited again." (The Zohar, I91a)

Frequently asked questions