ketubah

Nishima Kaplan's Fine Art for the Jewish Wedding. A Ketubah as Unique as your Love.

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THE INTERFAITH KETUBAH

The Ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract. Together with the chuppah and the breaking of the glass, it is one of the memorable features of a Jewish wedding. Many Orthodox and Conservative Jews still use the traditional text written in Aramaic, an ancient language that is closely related to Hebrew. In the past, the Aramaic ketubah served as a legal pre-nup, in which the groom attested to his duty to provide for his wife and acknowledged her dowry, though now the ketubah serves as a religious document alone. The ketubah was originally a great innovation in women’s rights, for it was a legal document that protected the bride’s assets in the event of widowhood or divorce, at a time in history when women had few rights under the law.

 

INTEFAITH KETUBAH TEXTS

Recently, interfaith ketubah texts have undergone a renaissance.

ArtKetubah.com offers over 16 different texts, including several tailored especially for Interfaith Couples. Our Interfaith B text lets you refer to the different cultures and religions that will be present in your marriage. You may also choose an interfaith ketubah text that makes no mention of religion and which reflects the vows you make to each other as a married couple. It is also possible to write your own interfaith ketubah text. (An additional fee applies.)

You can read the English translation of the Aramaic texts here. The language is definitely archaic, but don’t worry, there are many choices when it comes to interfatih ketubah texts. Click here to read some modern egalitarian texts.

Many couples view the purchase of an interfaith ketubah as an opportunity to create a written testimony of their love. You may choose an interfaith ketubah with a modern text that embodies your feelings for each other, or you can compose the text yourself. (An extra fee applies.)

Interfaith ketubah texts are the perfect way to express the unique blending of cultures in your marriage.

Although an interfaith ketubah can be merely printed words on paper, most couples choose to own a beautiful and colorful piece of art to display in their new home. Throughout history, Jews have practiced Hiddur Mitzvah, which refers to the beautification of religious objects. Elaborate ketubahs from centuries ago can be seen in museums around the world. Today, artists like Nishima Kaplan create ketubahs in numerous styles and colors, so you are sure find a ketubah you love.

WHAT IF WE DON'T HAVE HEBREW NAMES?

But what if you don’t know your Hebrew name or perhaps you don’t have one? Don’t worry! At Artketubah, we can transliterate all English names into Hebrew, if you choose to use a Hebrew text.

 

SIGNING YOUR INTERFAITH KETUBAH

Traditionally, the ketubah was signed ONLY by two, unrelated, religious Jewish men. The Bride, Groom and Rabbi (or Officiant) did not sign. With an interfaith ketubah, you have the freedom to choose whomever you want to sign your ketubah - your best man, maid-of-honor or even parents. Nishima can incorporate numerous witness lines into an interfaith ketubah, depending on the design. There is no extra charge for this.

The ketubah is traditionally signed before the wedding ceremony begins, but you may incorporate the reading and signing of the ketubah into any part of your Interfaith ceremony.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING AN INTERFAITH KETUBAH

If you are purchasing a ketubah, chances are it's your first time. On top of organizing a wedding, ordering a ketubah can be nerve-racking (luckily, we will personally guide you through every step of the way.)

And, once you order, how do you know that you are receiving a museum-quality, Rabbi-approved ketubah that will last beyond your lifetime and be passed down as a family heirloom?

It's a big decision.

We created this handy check-list will help you navigate through the unfamiliar world of ketubahs and explain some of the ways we work to create the interfaith ketubah of your dreams.

Learn more about the Process of making an Interfaith Ketubah, and Nishima Kaplan's special guarantee that your ketubah will be perfect [keep reading...]