Ketubah, Ketubot, Ketuba, Katubah, Katuba, no matter how you spell it, this is your Jewish Marriage contract.   Ketubot are offered in several types of texts; Orthodox texts, Conservative texts, Reform texts, Interfaith texts, Gender Neutral texts, Anniversary texts, Nondenominational texts, Humanists tests, and even Create Your Own texts. 

When picking out a type of text, you need to remember that each artist offers their own version of each text.  You need to read through the texts carefully to make sure that you choose the most appropriate text that  fits the two of you.  If you are ever in doubt, you should refer back to your rabbi or cantor, or feel free to contact us to assist you in any way we can.

What is the Ketubah?

One of the most essential objects in a contemporary Jewish wedding ceremony is the Ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract. The government sanctions marriages by issuing marriage licenses; Jewish law has historically used the Ketubah in much the same way. In addition to serving a legal purpose, Ketubah (pl) have long been an expression of Jewish creativity. Ketubah literally means "written" or "writing", and came to refer to the written marriage contract that is signed and read as part of the Jewish wedding. Scholars are not exactly sure when Ketubah first surfaced, but they do know that the standard text of an Orthodox Ketubah was composed around 200 B.C.E. It was written in Aramaic, the secular language for the Jewish community at that time.

In 200 B.C.E., when Middle Eastern cultures were clearly patriarchal in nature, the language and concept inherent in a Ketubah was certainly innovative. Throughout Jewish history, when a woman got married, the Ketubah became her property and she held on to it dearly, as it served to protect her financially in case of divorce or death. It is essentially the first prenuptial agreement in history. The Ketubah was also created to protect the bride's ongoing rights in the marriage. It declares the wife's rights to food, clothing, and even sex throughout the course of the marriage.

Although the language of the original Ketubah may not always speak to the issues of today's couples, it was a great step forward at the time toward acknowledging women as human beings with real physical and financial needs.

How do I pick the right Ketubah text?

It is always a good idea to start with your Rabbi or officiant and ask what type of text he or she requires for your ceremony. Click on different artists and find styles that are suited to the both of you. Then you need to read the texts offered for your choices and choose the one that reflects the two of you. It's that simple!