Debra Band - Traditional Aramaic (Orthodox) & English

about this ketubah text:
The Traditional Aramaic text, also called the Orthodox text, was formulated during the Babylonian exile and guaranteed the woman certain marital rights and protections. It has gone through minor revisions throughout the centuries but spirit of the document remains the same. The modern English text below is not a direct translation of the Aramaic. For more information about this ketubah text, or to read the literal translation please go to our FAQs and select About Texts or click here: About Texts.

(on) _____the _______ day of _________in the year __________ corresponding to the _____ day of ________ in the year _______ in _______, the groom ________, and _______ the bride joined together as husband and wife. Together they made the following pledges to each other. As we exchange rings and drink from one wine cup under the chuppah today, we enter a covenant with each other. Following the tradition of Moses and Israel this covenant is witnessed by family and friends, Throughout our lives together we shall strive to understand and cherish each other's needs and dreams, to help each other realize the unique person in each of us. As we grow in our love and awareness of each other, we shall learn to share our feelings and resolve our differences with true candor and sympathy. We look forward to countless future celebrations, to joy and fulfillment, but are fully prepared to support one another in adversity and sorrow. We realize that we forge today a new link in a golden chain, and shall make every effort to strengthen that link. Our home shall be one in which the Jewish traditions are lived and studied so that our children will be prepared to forge the next link in this chain. We celebrate this wedding and all Jewish festivals in the joyous, yet lofty spirit of the Wedding Blessings, which celebrate God's wondrous creation of life, of human love and Israel's devotion to its God. With this covenant, we shall derive our strength from each other, from our family and the community of Israel.

And all is valid and confirmed,

Witness Witness

Bride Groom

Rabbi