A Jewish marriage contract that specifies the financial responsibilities of the husband toward the bride is the traditional definition of a ketubah. Enacted in the first century BCE by Shimon ben Shetach, the law safeguarded the rights of the bride in the event of a divorce or widowhood; in fact, the word “written” originates from the Hebrew word for “written.”
What Is a Ketubah?
The ketubah is a work of exquisite, motivational art to the modern eye. The modern ketubah is much more than just a legal document; it is enhanced by the ketubah artist’s unique vision, filled with color, and available in a variety of styles. The ketubahs of today are genuinely artistic, passionate, and poetic. However, it is primarily a contract; in that sense, it is theoretically comparable to a prenuptial agreement.
A Brief History of the Ketubah
The Torah makes no mention of marriage contracts of any kind. However, it seems that the Jewish society had adopted the practice of drafting marriage contracts by the third century CE. The Talmud states that Rabbi Shetach instituted the ketubah in order to prevent men from forcing quick divorces at the cost of their wives.
About 4,000 Jewish manuscript pieces were found in the storehouse of the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Egypt in 1752. What makes the collection of manuscripts known as the Cairo Genizah important, then?
You guessed it: more than 200 of these manuscript pieces were ketubot, which is the plural form of ketubah. It’s interesting to note that while the majority of these ketubot were simple inscriptions, several of them also included decorations.
Ketubah Originated as a Protection for Women
It is important to emphasize that, far from being a purposefully misogynistic document, the ketubah was originally designed to protect women from being simply abandoned by their husbands with no provision for their financial welfare, even though it is clear that the roles of the bride and groom as stated in the ketubah are not equal. In this sense, the ketubah was a freeing document for women rather than a weapon of repression, notwithstanding its antiquated understanding of social realities. The Talmud, which is the set of teachings and commentaries on the Torah that form the basis for Jewish law, noted that the primary difference between a wife and a concubine was that a wife needed to get a ketubah, whilst a concubine did not. The ketubah was thought to be so essential to a fair marital partnership.
The rabbis also ruled that a man could not live with his wife without a ketubah, not even for a single hour.
What’s In a Ketubah?
The traditional Orthodox ketubah details the groom’s financial and marital responsibilities to his wife in addition to recording the details of the wedding, such as the date, venue, and names of the bride and groom. These features are also included in the Conservative ketubah, which adds an additional clause to make it more equal.
Apart from the fundamentals, though, what should or shouldn’t be included in a ketubah these days depends on whether the wedding is modern or Orthodox.
The Orthodox ketubah text continues to be written in Aramaic, as is customary, using an old manuscript that has been handed down through the ages. These days, a ketubah that does not follow the conventional Orthodox text is probably written in the couple’s preferred language, or perhaps more than one language (the most common combination being Hebrew and English). Jewish custom dictates that every ketubah needs to be seen by two people before being read aloud during the wedding. In contrast to modern weddings, when the witnesses can be anybody the bride and groom want, the Orthodox ketubah is signed by two male witnesses who are unrelated to the couple. The couple typically signs as well.
Ketubah Today
Very little has changed in the traditional text of the Orthodox ketubah. However, as our society developed, the ketubah did in fact adapt to many egalitarian shifts.
The Conservative movement uses the Lieberman clause, which was adopted in the 1950s and states that a man considering divorce must provide his wife a get, or bill of divorce. A woman without a get was traditionally not allowed to be married again.
The LGBTQ+ group is also accommodated in modern ketubah literature. There are ketubah texts that are humanist, interfaith, non-binary, and same-sex, as well as make-your-own ketubah texts. Nevertheless, the officiating rabbi must first authorize any ketubah text.
The Ketubah Signing Ceremony
As previously mentioned, a symbolic Jewish marriage contract signed prior to a wedding ceremony is known as a ketubah. It outlines the ideals, commitments, and tenets of a brand-new union. Any Jewish wedding celebration would be enhanced by the ketubah signing ceremony and reading of the ketubah.
Who signs the ketubah?
The couple’s level of traditionalism or modernity will determine how the ketubah signing ceremony is designed.
Two male witnesses selected by the groom sign an Orthodox ketubah; these witnesses are not allowed to be connected to the couple. It’s not necessary, although occasionally the groom and the presiding rabbi will sign as well. In a traditional signing ceremony, the groom, the rabbi, the fathers of the couple, and other close male relatives and friends attend in private.
A Modern ketubah signing ceremony nowadays is more adaptable and diversified. Together with the wedding officiant or rabbi and two witnesses of the couple’s selection, who are often close friends or mentors, both parties to the marriage will sign. Additionally, some couples decide to make a unique ketubah that each visitor can sign at the wedding. Close friends and family members of both sexes attend these contemporary signing rituals.
Conclusion
In simple terms, the ketubah serves as a permanent reminder of its significance in Jewish marriages. The ketubah is an essential part of Jewish marriage custom, having evolved from its beginnings as a protection for women’s financial security to current egalitarian ideals. A touching prelude to the wedding, the ketubah signing ceremony signifies the couple’s commitment and the start of their joint journey, going beyond its legal and symbolic meaning. The ketubah is a timeless symbol that enhances Jewish rituals by symbolizing the valued ideals and vows inherent in marriage, regardless of current interpretations or adherence to Orthodox traditions.
