The Intriguing Hebrew Letters On Wedding Invitations Explained

Jewish wedding invitations often include Hebrew phrases and symbols to incorporate Jewish values and traditions into the design. One such tradition is the inclusion of the three Hebrew letters bet, samekh, and daled, which stand for the Aramaic phrase Besiyata Dishmaya, meaning with the help of God. This phrase is used by observant Jews as a reminder that everything they do is done with God's aid.

Hebrew date and translation

It is customary for Jewish couples to include the Hebrew date of their wedding ceremony on the invitation. This means finding the corresponding date in the Hebrew calendar to the secular date of the wedding. This is especially common for Orthodox Jewish couples, Sephardic or Mizrachi couples, or couples with many Israeli relatives. The Hebrew date is usually listed alongside the secular date, for the benefit of non-Jewish attendees.

> 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

In some communities, it is also common for the left side of the invitation card to be written entirely in Hebrew. If the couple has Hebrew names, these are typically used on the Hebrew side of the invitation.

In addition to the Hebrew date, some couples may choose to incorporate Hebrew translations of certain phrases or quotes. This adds a spiritual element to the invitation and allows them to share their Jewish values with their guests. Here are some examples:

• "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)."
• "With joy in our hearts, we invite you to share in our Simcha."

Some couples may also choose to include a Hebrew Pasook (verse from the Torah) in their invitations. A common choice is:

> "I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine – אני לדודי ודודי לי"

This pasook is derived from the Shir Hashirim (Song of Solomon 6:3) and signifies the mutual love and commitment between the bride and groom.

Another option is to include Hebrew abbreviations or acronyms that represent divine approval of the invitation. For example, the three Hebrew letters bet, samekh, and daled (BS"D), which stand for "Besiyata Dishmaya", an Aramaic phrase meaning "with the help of God". Alternatively, the letters bet and hey (B"H), which stand for "B'ezrat Hashem", a Hebrew phrase with the same meaning. These abbreviations are often included in Jewish wedding invitations to invoke blessings and divine support for the celebration.

Aramaic phrase with the help of God

The Aramaic phrase 'Be•si•ya•ta Di•shma•ya' translates to 'with the help of Heaven' or 'with God's help' in English. The acronym for this phrase is BS"D, which is written in Hebrew as 'סב"ד' and uses the first letter of each word: 'Bet,' 'Samech,' and 'Dalet'.

The phrase is often abbreviated and added to the top of written documents, such as invitations, to express reverence to God and to remind the reader that all that is written can only occur with God's help. This is a common tradition among several orthodox religious denominations.

The phrase 'Be•si•ya•ta Di•shma•ya' is also similar to the Hebrew phrase 'be•ez•rat ha•Shem', which carries the same meaning of 'with God's help'.

In Aramaic, the word for God is 'alaha' or 'aloho', which is linguistically related to the Hebrew word 'elohim'.

Hebrew phrases and words

Hebrew is often incorporated into Jewish wedding invitations to evoke reverence and respect for the occasion. The language used can depend on the level of religious observance and the specific Jewish community. Here are some examples of Hebrew phrases and words that can be included in a Jewish wedding invitation:

Hebrew Date

It is a tradition to include the Hebrew date of the wedding ceremony on the invitation, along with the corresponding secular date. This is done by finding the equivalent date in the Hebrew lunar calendar.

Hebrew Translation

Some Jewish wedding invitations include all the information in Hebrew on one side, especially in Orthodox Jewish communities or for Sephardic, Mizrachi couples, or those with many Israeli relatives. This may include the names of the couple if they have Hebrew names.

Emphasising Joy and Celebration

Jewish wedding invitations traditionally emphasise joy and celebration. A common phrase used is "share in our joy" or "with gratitude to Hashem", rather than a more formal request for attendance.

Connection Between the Couple

The word "and" is typically used between the names of the couple, instead of "to", reflecting the unity and connection between them.

Inclusion of Both Sets of Parents

The names of both sets of parents are usually mentioned on the invitation to emphasise the familial unity and the role of the family in the celebration.

Timing of Rituals

Jewish weddings often include several rituals before the main ceremony, such as the cocktail hour (smorgasbord) and the Bedeken, where the couple sees each other for the first time that day. The invitation may specify the timing of these events so that guests can join in these traditions.

Religious Phrasing and Quotes

Religious phrasing or quotes can be included to add a spiritual element to the invitation. Some invitations may open with traditional language expressing gratitude to God or using Hebrew terms. For example, the three Hebrew letters bet, samech, and dalet in the upper-right-hand corner signify divine approval and are an abbreviation of the Aramaic phrase "Besiyata Dishmaya", meaning "with the help of God". Alternatively, the Hebrew phrase "B'ezrat Hashem" carries a similar meaning.

Bible Verses

Couples may include Bible verses in Hebrew or English to express their Jewish values. Popular choices include quotes from the Song of Songs, Jeremiah, Genesis, and The Zohar.

Hebrew Designs and Symbols

Jewish wedding invitations can also incorporate Hebrew designs and symbols such as the Star of David, the Tree of Life, the city of Jerusalem, or a Chuppah design.

In summary, Hebrew phrases and words in Jewish wedding invitations serve to incorporate Jewish values, express reverence and joy, and emphasise the unity and connection between the couple and their families. The specific Hebrew elements chosen can vary depending on the couple's preferences and level of religious observance.

Jewish symbols

Jewish weddings are a wonderful opportunity to incorporate Jewish values and symbols into the celebration and share them with guests. Jewish wedding invitations are no exception. Here are some Jewish symbols that you can consider including in your wedding invitation design:

Chuppah

The chuppah is a Jewish wedding ceremony staple, symbolising the significance of the ceremony. It is a canopy that the couple stands under during the wedding ceremony, often adorned with flowers, roses, or leaves. Including a chuppah design in your wedding invitation is a creative and meaningful way to symbolise the importance of this tradition.

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is a popular symbol for Jewish wedding invitations, representing the deep roots of Jewish tradition and the flourishing branches of future generations to come from the couple. This symbol often features pomegranates, apples, or leaves, adding a modern touch while retaining its deep symbolic meaning.

Star of David

The Star of David is an iconic Jewish symbol, representing a deep connection to the Jewish faith and heritage. Including this symbol in your wedding invitation is a beautiful way to express your special connection to Judaism and add a layer of spiritual and cultural importance to your stationery.

Jerusalem

For couples with a special connection to the holy land of Israel, including a Jerusalem design in their wedding invitation beautifully reflects this bond. This symbol is particularly meaningful for couples choosing to get married in Jerusalem, adding a spiritual and cultural dimension to their wedding stationery.

Tallit

In Jewish weddings, it is customary for couples to include a tallit design in their invitations. The tallit is a shawl worn under the chuppah, symbolising shelter and unity for the couple. Including this design element adds tradition and depth to the celebration.

These Jewish symbols can be incorporated into your wedding invitation design in a variety of ways, such as illustrations, background patterns, or decorative accents. They will not only add a unique and meaningful touch to your invitations but also convey your connection to and pride in your Jewish heritage and traditions.

Hebrew calendar

The Hebrew calendar, also called the Jewish calendar, is a lunisolar calendar used for Jewish religious observance and as an official calendar of Israel. It is used to determine the dates of Jewish holidays and other rituals, such as yahrzeits and the schedule of public Torah readings.

The Hebrew calendar consists of months of 29 or 30 days, with an extra lunar month added every 2 or 3 years to closely approximate the length of the solar year. The calendar year features 12 lunar months, with an additional lunar month added periodically to synchronise the lunar cycles with the solar year.

The Hebrew calendar year begins on Rosh Hashanah, the first day of Tishrei. However, there are multiple starting dates for different purposes, including the first of Nisan, which is the ecclesiastical new year, and the first of Elul, which is the new year for cattle tithe.

The Hebrew calendar year is generally counted according to the Anno Mundi system, which calculates the number of years since the creation of the world based on the Genesis creation narrative and subsequent Biblical stories. The current Hebrew year, Anno Mundi 5785, began at sunset on 2 October 2024 and will end at sunset on 22 September 2025.

A day in the rabbinic Hebrew calendar runs from sunset to sunset, with halachic uncertainty regarding the exact time when days begin or end. The Hebrew week is a seven-day cycle mirroring the seven-day period of the Book of Genesis, beginning on Day 1 (Sunday) and ending on Shabbat (Saturday).

The Hebrew calendar is still widely acknowledged in contemporary Israel, appearing in public venues such as banks and on the mastheads of newspapers. It is used alongside the Gregorian calendar for civil holidays.

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