Definition:

The ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract.

Traditionally the purpose of the ketubah was for the wife's protection. In time this has evolved, particualrly within the Reform world to a mutual statement  of the couple’s love and devotion to each other, and their intention to support each other and build a Jewish home to honour God that is full of love and affection, peace and companionship. It is fully reciprocal, and it is written in Hebrew.

It differs from the traditional text, which fixed the sum to be paid to the wife in the event of a divorce. This was a practical idea of the ancient rabbis: they reckoned that her husband would never love her more than at this moment, or think it less likely that the marriage would ever break down, and would therefore fix a high sum for her to receive; a divorce settlement offered at the time of the marriage break-up would probably be far more meagre.

Because some of the language of the traditional ketubah is startling to modern sensibilities, many traditional ketubot translate only a very small proportion of the text.

The Reform Movement produces a printed copy of the ketubah. Attractive silk screen prints can be purchased, and hand-printed ketubot are available to order. There has been a strong tradition over the centuries of producing ketubot with beautiful illuminations, either specific to the couple and their families or using some of the general Jewish ideas about the joy of marriage. It is possible for you, or a calligrapher, to produce a personalised ketubah using the usual Reform text but with your own illustrations. Then the ketubah can be a beautiful decoration in your future home, rather than simply a printed form like your civil marriage certificate. If you do this, you will need to consult closely with the rabbi concerning the Hebrew date and other personal data to be added to the standard text.

The standard text of the Reform Movement’s ketubah

On the __ day of the month of _____ in the year _____

corresponding to the ___________

here in _____________

The bridegroom ___________ said to the bride____________

Be my wife according to the law of Moses and Israel and I will cherish respect and support you in the faithful manner in which sons in Israel cherish, respect and support their wives.

And the bride _________ said to the bridegroom

Be my husband according to the law of  Moses and Israel and I will cherish respect and support you in the faithful manner in which daughters in Israel cherish respect and support their husbands.

And the bride _____ agreed to the proposal of the bridegroom.

And the bridegroom _____ agreed to the proposal of the bride.

Accordingly they both entered into this covenant of love and companionship of peace and friendship to create a Jewish home to the glory of the Holy One blessed be He who makes His people Israel holy through the holy covenant of marriage.

This has taken place in our presence and all is valid and binding.