Badchan בדחן

A badchan (badkhn) is an Ashkenazi Jewish wedding entertainer, poet, "sacred clown" and master of ceremonies from Eastern Europe, with a history dating back to at least the 16th–17th century. He guided the bride and groom through the wedding, served as MC, and sang to the couple and in-laws with klezmer accompaniment; badchanim also had roles on Chanukah and Purim.

The tradition continues in Chasidic communities, where badchanim rhyme at weddings, entertain at sheva brachos and lead the mitzvah tantz. Well-known badchanim today include Yoely Lebovits (the "Pester Rebbe") and Yankel Miller.