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KETUBOT (marriage contracts)
Wikipedia says: “Ketubot (the plural for ketubah) have many different styles of language and designs, depending on the beliefs and traditions of the couple. Traditionally, the language of the ketubah formalizes the various requirements by the Torah of a Jewish husband vis à vis his wife.”
A traditional ketubah is written in Aramaic. Today, couples can opt for more egalitarian language, similar in tone to marriage vows, which stress the values on which they base their relationship and marriage (love, companionship, family, tradition, etc.). Many times a traditional text will be accompanied by a more creative, poetic and egalitarian rendition in English. Because there is a variety of available texts, betrothed couples can consult their rabbi or wedding officiant in order to determine which ketubah text is right for them.
A recent flourishing of non-standard ketubah texts have provided more specialized options for marrying couples, including those designed for same gender couples, couples with only one Jewish partner, secular humanists, and other individually crafted commitment texts.
There is challenge and delight in making each KETUBAH personal for couples with whom I work. The couple can choose the traditional wording, or something meaningful for them.I feel like I get to know each of them as individuals – get to see their “light” and their love for one another and for life – and my goal is to include these elements in the finished piece.
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