Ketubah Text Choices

How should you choose the text for your Ketubah?

The first thing you need to do when deciding on text for your ketubah is to ask your officiating clergy if he or she has special requirements. This will ensure your ketubah conforms with the type of ceremony you have planned together.

We have compiled various descriptions of a different text choices below to help clarify the text options available.

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Various Descriptions of Text Options

Orthodox (Commonly referred to as Traditional Aramaic)
This text traces its origin back to the period of the Babylonian exile. It basically defines the husband’s obligation to his wife. It was made to safeguard a woman’s property and status in marriage in case the husband died, divorced, or deserted her. This text is recognized as a legal contractual agreement. If you intend to use this text, first select the Ketubah that you like and then present that artist’s Aramaic text to your rabbi for him to approve. There are normally a number of variations in spellings and its always important to ensure they concur with the preferences of your rabbi.

A point you need to note is that the English text after the Orthodox text is actually not a direct translation. This means that the English wording will vary from one artist to the other. As such, it is important to read each one and be sure it is also approved by your rabbi.

The Conservative with Lieberman Clause

This text is very similar to the Orthodox text, the main difference being the addition of the Lieberman Clause. The Clause is a legally binding agreement that states that, in the event of a divorce, the couple agrees to accept the decision reached by the Rabbinic Assembly concerning their Jewish divorce (gett). The majority of the Conservative clergy insist that this clause should be in the ketubah. The purpose of this clause is to prevent either of the spouses from using the divorce as a bargaining tool against the other. For instance, not receiving a ‘gett’ would prevent a woman from remarrying.

It is also important to note that the English text which may accompany this text is not a direct translation. As such, it is advisable to read the English vows from different artists to ensure you like the wording.

The Reform - (also referred to as Egalitarian)
These vows vary from artist to artist so you should read the text that accompanies each ketubah that you are considering. They are often beautifully written expressions of love, devotion and commitment. The Hebrew is usually a direct translation of the English. Be sure your officiant approves your text choice!

Interfaith
There are a wide variety of interfaith texts available. Their wording varies from one artist to the next. Many of them have complete Hebrew translations of the English text. Others feature a Hebrew heading, a few lines that contain the Hebrew date, the names of the two spouses and the place of marriage. This is followed by the vows in English. There are those officiants who would allow you to choose freely the wording that you like while others have specific wordings that they approve. Be sure you consult with them before ordering.

Commitment Vows
Commitment vows are written in a manner that makes them suitable for same-sex marriages. The majority are suitable for all marriages but don’t include gender-specific language, like “Bride” and “Groom.” Instead, it may say “Beloveds.” Their wording varies depending on the artist and, as such, you should read each text before making your choice. With so many gay marriages being celebrated, we are happy to offer the LGBT community a large selection of ketubah artwork.

Anniversary
Anniversary texts commemorate the years that married couples have been together. Our artists offer beautiful and meaningful texts that honor couples as they reflect on their past as well as plan their future together. This is one of the best gifts friends and family members can give to a couple as they mark their wedding anniversaries.

The Secular Humanistic
The Association of Humanistic Rabbis together with the Leadership conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews offer two texts: Humanist 1 has a full Hebrew translation and Humanist 2 is all English. We offer a Hebrew translation of Humanist 2 on our Studio Collection designs, as well, so just let us know and we will include the full Hebrew. These texts are available in the work of many artists and you can do a search by Text to find out who offers the Humanist texts. Other artists have secular style text which may be labeled as Humanist but is not associated with the organization stated above.

Sephardic
The rabbis of the Sephardic Jewish communities, which trace their origins back to Spain and the Mediterranean regions, normally have special requirements for ketubah texts. Most communities have their own preferences when it comes to the wording of the ketubah text. As such, it is always important to show your rabbi the texts offered by artists in order to determine which ones are acceptable. You can also order a custom text on your Ketubah if your rabbi has a specific text for your community that is not offered on the ketubah of your choice.

All Faith / English Vows
We are happy to offer texts that are non-denominational and suitable for couples of all faiths. There is no Hebrew nor are there references to Jewish tradition. They are beautiful vows expressing love and devotion for all betrothed couples.

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Literal translation Traditional Aramaic (Orthodox)

   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

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Literal translation of Lieberman Clause

   This paragraph, the Lieberman Clause, is added near the end of the 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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Writing your own text/Custom text

Writing your own text/Custom text
It could happen that you may fall in love with a given ketubah design but not the text offered by the artist or your rabbi has a specific requirement. In such instances, you can request to have your own custom text added on the ketubah. There are two main methods of adding the custom text:

When it is a lithograph print, the custom wording would be written in hand-calligraphy. The cost of hand-written, custom wording depends on the number of words and the particular artist who will be doing it. This option may be rather costly and can significantly raise the cost of your ketubah. On the other hand, their is nothing more beautiful than elegant calligraphy written by hand. Very special!

Some lithograph prints can now have a custom text printed on it with a giclee printer. It costs less than hand-calligraphy so ask us about it if this sounds interesting to you.

The second option involves giclee prints. In this instance, a custom text can be added using calligraphic lettering fonts. The end result is terrific and the overall cost of adding your own text is significantly lower than with hand-calligraphy.

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We wrote our text in English and would like a Hebrew translation

In the case where you wrote your text in English and you want it translated to Hebrew for your ketubah, just let us know. We have Israeli translators who are fluent in English and can not only translate your vows but use beautiful Hebrew that captures the essence of your wording.

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Ketubah texts in other languages

Many of our artist can add custom texts in a number of languages besides English and Hebrew. We offer Spanish ketubah texts on all of our Studio Collection designs at no extra charge. (Ofrecemos ketubah Español textos en todos nuestros diseños de la Colección Studio.)

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