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Ketubah Text Choices
It is very important that get the approval of your officiating clergy before selecting a text. The following brief descriptions will help clarify the different ketubah wording options:
Orthodox Text (aka Traditional Aramaic the Traditional Text)
This text was written during the Babylonian exile and delineates the husband's obligations toward his wife. It protect the woman's status and property in marriage and in the event of divorce or the husband's death or desertion. It is the text used by Orthodox congregations today and is universally recognized as "kosher". If you will be selecting this text, have your rabbi approve each artist's Aramaic text. There are some variations in spellings and you want to be sure it fulfills your rabbi's requirements. The English text that is offered is not a direct translation of the Aramaic so for each ketubah that you are considering be sure to read the English. [close]
Conservative Text with Lieberman Clause
This text is the same as the Traditional Aramaic with the addition of a paragraph called the Lieberman Clause. This is a legally binding agreement that carries clout in contemporary courts of law stating that, in the event of a civil divorce, the couple agrees to abide by the decision of the Rabbinic Assembly concerning the Jewish divorce. The intention is to prevent the Gett (Jewish divorce) from becoming a bargaining tool, and without which the wife would be prevented from remarrying. The English text that is offered is not a direct translation of the Aramaic so for each ketubah that you are considering be sure to read the English. [close]
Reform Text - (aka Egalitarian)
This text varies from artist to artist and is a beautifully written expression of love, devotion and commitment. The Hebrew is a direct translation of the English. Be sure to read the text that accompanies each ketubah that you are considering. [close]
Interfaith Text
Interfaith texts are widely available and wording varies from artist to artist. In some instances there is a complete Hebrew translation of the text. In many cases, there are a few lines of Hebrew containing the Hebrew date, the place of the marriage and your names, followed by the vows in English. Though most officiants will allow you free reign to choose what you like, some have specific wording that they will approve, so please check first. [close]
Commitment Vows Gender Neutral
Commitment vows are written to be suitable for same-gender unions and, in most cases, are appropriate for all commitment and marriage ceremonies. The wording varies from artist to artist so be sure to read each one that accompanies the artwork that you are interested in. [close]
Anniversary
Married couples add meaning to their anniversary celebration with a beautiful ketubah commemorating their years together. Many of our artists offer thoughtful texts which reflect on this event. This is a GREAT gift to present to each other or to anyone having an anniversary. [close]
All Faith English Only
Couples of all faiths are now including beautiful ketubah documents in their marriage ceremonies. These statements of love are a daily reminder of the marriage vows exchanged on that unforgettable day. [close]
Spanish Vows
We are happy to be able to offer a wide selection of ketubot that are offered with a Spanish translation as a standard choice. [close]
Sephardic
Many Sephardic communities require their own particular ketubah texts. Check with your rabbi to see if one that we offer is approved. Otherwise, a custom Sephardic text can usually be inserted into the artwork of your choice. Just ask us. [close]
Secular Humanistic
The Association of Humanistic Rabbis and Leadership Conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews offers two texts and they are available in the artwork of several artists. One is all English and the other wording is also translated into Hebrew. [close]
Write Your Own
If you fell in love with a ketubah design but prefer to use wording that is not offered by the artist, most ketubot can accommodate a custom text. For lithograph prints this involves hand-calligraphy. The price of a hand-written custom text depends on the particular artist and the number of words in your text. This option can add a few hundred dollars to the cost of your ketubah.
For giclee prints, this can usually be accomplished with computer calligraphic lettering. Don't let that deter you - they look terrific and adding your own text is significantly less expensive. [close]