The Jewish wedding consists of 7 parts, the first of which is signing the Ketubah. The term Ketubah, which is the Hebrew word for “to write” refers to the traditional marriage document. The traditional Ketubah is written in Aramaic – and stipulates that a husband must provide for the basic economic resources (food, shelter and clothing) for his wife. The Ketubah also spells out what a husband must provide in the case of divorce – depending upon her status before they got married (virgin, divorced, etc).
While the Ketubah was created for the protection of women (the husband to provide for his wife’s well being), as you can imagine, during the 60’s (when the social and economic status of women began to change) it came under attack for being unfair to women.
And so, there was born the modern Ketubah.
Couple’s today are using Ketubot (plural of Ketubah) to creatively formalize their ideas on their relationship and new marriage -together. They are using poems and unique text to demonstrate how they will love and support one another, build a family and weather a storm together. Modern Ketubot are written in Hebrew, and are often translated into English under the Hebrew text.
Traditionally the Ketubah was signed before the Chuppah ceremony, and was signed by the Bride and Groom and 2 non-blood related males as witnesses.
Today, in a more liberal setting – almost anything goes. Couples have given their guests an opportunity to participate in this beautiful tradition by signing the Ketubah during the wedding ceremony. Couples have invited women and family members to witness the signing. Modern couples have made it a very special rite of passage – in so many creative and inclusive ways.
Happy planning!
Thanks to The Ketubah Maven and My Jewish Learning for the information.