The Ketubah

Here are my great grandparents and their very simple and modest ketubah back from the early twenties in soviet Russia.For the launching of my new Ketubah collection I'd like to give you a general background concerning the meaning of this tradition. 

Ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract and is considered as an integral part of the traditional Jewish marriage.

Some state that the origin of the Ketubah started in 176 BC (over 2000 years ago). In ancient tomes rabbis insisted that the couple would conclude the Ketubah in their marriage in order to protect the interests of the wife.In the standard text written in Aramaic, the spoken and written language of the period, It lists financially and general obligations of the husband to his wife as the provision of food, clothing and conjugal performance duties.Ketubah written on a special document called Shtar Ketubah (Hebrew שטר כתובה), signed by two witnesses and usually read at loud under the Huppah (specialcanopy). It is considered a great honor to be invited to witness the Ketubah signing.

Modern Ketubot (Plural for Ketubah) can be different in style and content, depending on the beliefs and traditions of couples entering into marriage.Progressive Judaism allows individual changes in the text. For example, some often prefer more egalitarian language corresponding marriage vows that emphasize values, which are the basis of their relationship and marriage (love, friendship, family, tradition, etc.). Due to the fact that there is a great variety of texts, engaged couples typically consult with their rabbi or priest who is to perform the ceremony of marriage, to determine what text fits them most. It is also common to write your own vows or to commission your Ketubah in both languages.

After the wedding the Ketubah often hung in a prominent place in the house of a married couple as a daily reminder of their vows and responsibilities to each other. Ketubot can be seen in a variety of designs, which usually reflect the taste and style of the era and the area in which they are made.