Choosing a Ketubah Text that's Right for Me

It is very important that you check with your officiating rabbi or cantor before selecting a text. The following brief descriptions of the various texts may help clarify the options:

Traditional Aramaic (aka Orthodox) - ( literal translation )
This text was written during the Babylonian exile with minor variations that occurred through changes in time and place. It delineates the husband's obligations toward his wife as they enter the marital state and was designed to protect the woman's status and property in marriage and in the event of divorce or the husband's death. It is still used by Orthodox and Conservative rabbis, carrying legal clout in contemporary courts of law as a contractual agreement. If you will be using this text, select the artist and then have your rabbi approve that artist's Aramaic text. There are some variations in spellings and your rabbi will want to be sure it fulfills his or her requirements.

Traditional Aramaic with English
The English text that accompanies a Traditional Aramaic text is not a direct translation. For each ketubah that you like, the English vows can vary so read each one to be sure you like the wording. (For a literal translation, click above on Traditional Aramaic)

Conservative with Lieberman Clause - ( literal translation )
This text is the same as the Traditional Aramaic text with the addition of a paragraph called the Lieberman Clause. This is a legally binding agreement 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. Many Conservative rabbis insist that couples sign this.The purpose is to prevent the get (Jewish divorce) from becoming a bargaining tool against the spouse, which would prevent them from remarrying. For each artwork that you are considering please have your rabbi review that artist’s text. There are some variations in spellings and your rabbi or cantor will want to be sure it fulfills his or her requirements.

Conservative with Lieberman Clause with English
The English text that accompanies this text is not a direct translation. For each ketubah that you like, the English vows can vary so read each one to be sure you like the wording. Sometimes the English vows on the Conservative texts are shorter than in others because the Aramaic is so long with the extra clause. There is simply not enough space for longer vows. (For a literal translation, click above on Conservative with Lieberman Clause)

Egalitarian with Hebrew and English - (aka Reform)
This text is usually considered the Reform text and varies from artist to artist. You should read the text that accompanies each ketubah that you are considering. They are often beautifully written expressions of love, devotion and commitment. The Hebrew is a direct translation of the English. Be sure your rabbi or cantor approves your text choice.

Interfaith
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 most cases, there is a Hebrew heading containing the Hebrew date, the place of the marriage and your names, followed by the vows in English. Though most rabbis and cantors will allow you free reign to choose what you like, some have specific wording that they will approve. So please check first.

Commitment Vows
Commitment vows are written to be suitable for same gender unions and are usually universally appropriate for any commitment or marriage ceremony as well. The wording varies from artist to artist so be sure to read each one that accompanies the artwork that you are interested in.

Anniversary Text
Already-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. Some couples prefer to choose the same text that was on their original ketubah and to fill in the original information. This is a GREAT gift to present to each other or to anyone having an anniversary.

Blank / Custom Texts
If a ketubah is available in a blank, you can add a custom text. For lithographs 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.