Ketubah - The History      close this text

For centuries, illuminated ketubot have reflected the many cities and cultures around the world that Jews have abided in. This art form waned when the Jews were persecuted so viciously in Europe. Happily, in the last decades there has been an amazing resurgence as Judaica artists became inspired to create designs that enhance the katubah document. Ketubah motifs range from the traditional to abstract with the ketuba text integrated into the composition. Once again, our artists are chronicling modern Jewish life for future generations.

 

Modern Ketubah              Interfaith Ketubah              Traditional Ketubah

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Ketubah Text Choices      close this text

It is very important that get the approval of your officiating clergy before selecting a text. The following brief descriptions will help clarify the options:

Orthodox (aka Traditional Aramaic)

This text was written during the Babylonian exile and delineates the husband's obligations toward his wife. It protect the woman's status and property in marriage and in the event of divorce or the husband's death or desertion. It is the text used by Orthodox congregations today and is universally recognized as "kosher". If you will be selecting this text, have your rabbi approve each artist's Aramaic text. There are some variations in spellings and you want to be sure it fulfills your rabbiÕs requirements. The English text that is offered is not a direct translation of the Aramaic so for each ketubah that you are considering be sure to read the English.     [close]

Conservative with Lieberman Clause

This text is the same as the Traditional Aramaic with the addition of a paragraph called the Lieberman Clause. This is a legally binding agreement that carries clout in contemporary courts of law stating that, in the event of a civil divorce, the couple agrees to abide by the decision of the Rabbinic Assembly concerning the Jewish divorce. The intention is to prevent the Gett (Jewish divorce) from becoming a bargaining tool, and without which the wife would be prevented from remarrying. The English text that is offered is not a direct translation of the Aramaic so for each ketubah that you are considering be sure to read the English.     [close]

Reform - (aka Egalitarian)

This text varies from artist to artist and is a beautifully written expression of love, devotion and commitment. The Hebrew is a direct translation of the English. Be sure to read the text that accompanies each ketubah that you are considering.     [close]

Interfaith

Interfaith texts are widely available and wording varies from artist to artist. In some instances there is a complete Hebrew translation of the text. In many cases, there are a few lines of Hebrew containing the Hebrew date, the place of the marriage and your names, followed by the vows in English. Though most officiants will allow you free reign to choose what you like, some have specific wording that they will approve, so please check first.     [close]

Commitment Vows

Commitment vows are written to be suitable for same-gender unions and, in most cases, are appropriate for all commitment and marriage ceremonies. The wording varies from artist to artist so be sure to read each one that accompanies the artwork that you are interested in.     [close]

Anniversaary

Married couples add meaning to their anniversary celebration with a beautiful ketubah commemorating their years together. Many of our artists offer thoughtful texts which reflect on this event. This is a GREAT gift to present to each other or to anyone having an anniversary.     [close]

Write Your Own

If you fell in love with a ketubah design but prefer to use wording that is not offered by the artist, most ketubot can accommodate a custom text. For lithograph prints this involves hand-calligraphy. The price of a hand-written custom text depends on the particular artist and the number of words in your text. This option can add a few hundred dollars to the cost of your ketubah.
For giclee prints, this can usually be accomplished with computer calligraphic lettering. Don't let that deter you - they look terrific and adding your own text is significantly less expensive.     [close]

Secular Humanistic

The Association of Humanistic Rabbis and Leadership Conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews offers two texts and they are available in the artwork of several artists. One is all English and the other wording is also translated into Hebrew.

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Traditional Aramaic Literal Translation      close this text

On the ______day of the week, the _________day of the month ______ in the year five thousand seven hundred and ______ since the creation of the world, the era according to which we reckon here in the city of _________________ that ________ son of _________ said to this (virgin) _________daughter of _____.
"Be my wife according to the practice of Moses and Israel, and I will cherish, honor, support and maintain you in accordance with the custom of Jewish husbands who cherish, honor, support and maintain their wives faithfully. And I here present you with the marriage gift of (virgins), (two hundred) silver zuzim, which belongs to you, according the the law of Moses and Israel; and I will also give you your food, clothing and necessities, and live with you as husband and wife according to universal custom." And Miss_____, this (virgin) consented and became his wife. The trousseau that she brought to him from her (father's) house in silver, gold, valuables, clothing, furniture and bedclothes, all this ________, the said bridegroom accepted in the sum of (one hundred ) silver pieces, and ______ the bridegroom, consented to increase this amount from his own property with the sum of (one hundred) silver pieces, making in all (two hundred) silver pieces. And thus said __________, the bridegroom: "The responsibility of this marriage contract, of this trousseau, and of this additional sum, I take upon myself and my heirs after me, so that they shall be paid from the best part of my property and possession that I have beneath the whole heaven, that which I now possess or may hereafter acquire. All my property, real and personal, even the shirt from my back, shall be mortgaged to secure the payment of this marriage contract, of the trousseau, and of the addition made to it, during my lifetime and after my death, from the present day and forever." _______, the bridegroom, has taken upon himself the responsibility of this marriage contract, of the trousseau and the addition made to it, according to the restrictive usages of all marriage contracts and the additions to them made for the daughters of Israel, according to the institution of our sages of blessed memory. It is not to be regarded as a mere forfeiture without consideration or as a mere formula of a document. We have followed the legal formality of symbolic delivery (kinyan) between ______the son of _______, the bridegroom and _______ the daughter of _______ this (virgin), and we have used a garment legally fit for the purpose, to strengthen all that is stated above, and everything is valid and confirmed.
Attested to________________________ Witness
Attested to________________________ Witness

Lieberman Clause

This paragraph, the Lieberman Clause, is added near the end of the above Traditional Aramaic text and is referred to as the Conservative with Lieberman Clause Text.
And both together agreed that if this marriage shall ever be dissolved under civil law, then either husband or wife may invoke the authority of the Beth Din of the Rabbinical Assembly and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America or its duly authorized representatives, to decide what action by either spouse is then appropriate under Jewish matrimonial law; and if either spouse shall fail to honor the demand of the other or to carry out the decision of the Beth Din or its representative, then the other spouse may invoke any and all remedies available in civil law and equity to enforce compliance with the Beth Din's decision and this solemn obligation.

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Kind words from some of our customers.      close this text

Thank you for all of your help throughout this process. You and Raymond are very nice people and it was such a pleasure to speak with you. When planning a wedding, you really end up dealing with a lot of short tempered people or people who rush you off the phone. It was such a nice change It was such a nice change of pace! Thanks again!
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I really appreciated your warmth and guidance in ordering our ketubah. Thank you so much. Jane M
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I just wanted to let you know that we did get the ketuba and it looks great. thank you so much for your help in this matter. thank you for having someone walk us through this every step of the way. thank you. Bazhena

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