Section 4.2: Ketubah: Jewish Marriage Contract
A ketubah (meaning written thing) is a Jewish prenuptial agreement. It is considered an integral part of a traditional Jewish marriage, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom, in relation to the bride.
The following provides flavor for a traditional Orthodox ketubah. Most Jewish couples today however are signing a new ketubah that speaks directly about their love and commitment. Please review cited references for detailed information.
ORTHODOX KETUBAH
On the ___ day… join each other in ___, before family and friends to make a mutual covenant as husband and wife, partners in marriage.
The groom, ___, promises ___, the bride: “Be my wife according to the practice of Moses and Israel. I shall cherish you and honor you as is customary among the sons of Israel who have cherished and honored their wives in faithfulness and in integrity.” And I here present you with the marriage gift…, according to the law of Moses and Israel; and I will also give you your food, clothing and necessities, and live with you as husband and wife…
The bride, ___, promises ___, the groom: “You are my husband according to the tradition of Moses and Israel. I shall cherish you and honor you as is customary among the daughters of Israel who have cherished and honored their husbands in faithfulness and in integrity.”
“We, as beloveds and friends, promise each other to strive throughout our lives together to achieve an openness which will enable us to share our thoughts, our feelings, and our experiences… All is valid and binding.
—Signatures
INTERFAITH KETUBAH
Interfaith ketubot serves the same purpose expressing love and commitment of the bride and groom, and it can be written without mentioning any specific religion and if desired even without mentioning the word “God.”
On the ___ day of… between the groom, ___, and the bride, ___.
The groom… says to the bride: “I will honor each other’s culture as we link customs to form a trusting relationship. I shall treasure you, nourish you, and respect you as those who have devoted themselves to their wives with love and integrity throughout the generations.”
The bride… says to the groom: “I will honor each other’s culture as we link customs to form a trusting relationship. I shall treasure you, nourish you, and respect you as those who have devoted themselves to their husbands with love and integrity throughout the generations.”
And… pledged together: “We promise to be ever accepting of one another while treasuring each other’s individuality; to comfort and support each other through life’s disappointments and sorrows; to revel and share in each other’s joys and accomplishments; to share our hopes and dreams; to strive for an intimacy that will allow us to accomplish this promise and permit us to become the persons we are yet to be. We vow to establish a home open to all of life’s potential; a home filled with respect for all people; a home based on love and understanding. May we live each day as the first, the last, the only day we will have with each other. All of this we take upon ourselves as valid and binding.”
—Signatures
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