Texts
Whether you want a traditional ketubah in Aramaic, or you want a custom text that you write yourself in any other language, I can accommodate your needs. Unless you are choosing an Orthodox or Conservative ketubah, these are my versions and I will happily make changes for your custom ketubah. I strongly recommend discussing your text choice with your Rabbi before making a purchase.

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• Orthodox
• Conservative
• Reform
• Egalitarian
• Same Sex
• Interfaith
• Anniversary
  
• Custom

About Orthodox Ketubot
The Orthodox or Traditional ketubah is most appropriate for those who primary goal is to affirm their commitment to the Jewish tradition and to celebrate their participation in Jewish continuity. The Aramaic text describes a legal commitment: the obligations of the Jewish husband to his wife. It also presents the rights of the wife during the marriage and in case of its dissolution. Two Jewish adult males of good standing in the Jewish community who are not relatives of either the bride or groom are required to sign the contract.

The Orthodox Ketubah
On the ___day of the week, the ___ day of the month _____ in the year five thousand seven hundred and ___ since the creation of the world, the era according to which we reckon here in the city of ____ that ___, son of _____, said to this virgin/divorcee/convert _____, daughter of _____, “Be my wife according to the practice of Moses and Israel, and I will cherish, honor, support, and maintain you in accordance with the custom of Jewish husbands who cherish, honor, support, and maintain, their wives faithfully. And I here present you with the marriage gift proper to virgins/divorcees/converts, two/one hundred silver zuzim, which belongs to you according to the laws of Moses and Israel; and I will also give you your food, clothing, and necessities, and live with as husband and wife according to universal custom.” And ____, the virgin/divorcee/convert, consented and became his wife. The trousseau that she brought to him from her father’s house, in silver, gold, valuables, clothing, furniture, and bedclothes, all this ____, the groom, accepted in the sum of one hundred silver zuzim, and ___the groom, consented to increase this amount from his own property with the sum of hundred silver zuzim, making in all two hundred silver zuzim. And ____, the groom, said: “The responsibility of this marriage contract, of this trousseau, and of this additional sum, I take upon myself and my heirs after me, so that they shall be paid from the best part of my property and possession that I have beneath the whole heaven, which I now possess or may acquire. All my property, real and personal, even the shirt from my back, shall be mortgaged to secure the payment of this marriage contract, of the trousseau, and the addition made to it, during my lifetime and after my death from the present day and forever.” _____, the groom, Has taken upon himself the responsibility of this marriage contract, of the trousseau, and of the addition made to it, according to the restrictive usages of all marriage contracts, and the addition to them made fro the daughters of Israel, according to the institution of our sages of blessed memory. It is not to be regarded as a mere forfeiture without consideration or as a mere formula of a document. We have followed the legal formality of symbolic delivery (kinyan) between ____, the son of ____, the groom, and ____, the daughter of ____, this virgin/divorcee/convert, and everything is valid and binding.
Attested to _______________ Witness
Attested to _______________ Witness


About Conservative Ketubot
The Conservative Ketubah preserves the traditional Aramaic content, but adds additional text about the mutual obligations of both groom and bride. It may also contain a section about the bride’s right to a get (the traditional Jewish divorce) upon demand, called the Leiberman clause. It is usually presented in English and Aramaic. It is important to note that the English is not a translation of the Aramaic and that the Aramaic text preserves the tradition of different amounts of dowry for the bride based on her status as virgin, divorcee, or convert. Two Jewish adults of good standing in the Jewish community who are not relatives of either the bride or groom are required to sign the contract.

The Conservative Ketubah
This ketubah witnesses before God and man, that on the ______ day of the week, the ____of the moth ____, in the year 57__, corresponding to (secular calendar date), the holy covenant of marriage was entered into between _____, the groom, and _____, his bride, at (place). Duly conscious of the solemn obligations of marriage, the groom made the following declaration to his bride: “You are consecrated to me as my wife according to the holy laws and traditions of Moses and Israel. I will love, honor, and cherish you; I will protect and support you, and I will faithfully care for your needs, as required by Jewish law and tradition.” And the bride made the following declaration to the groom: In accepting the marriage ring. I promise my love and devotion, and I take upon myself the fulfillment of all the duties incumbent upon a Jewish wife.”
And both together agreed that if this marriage shall ever be dissolved under civil law, then either husband or wife may invoke the authority of the Beth Bin of the Rabbinical Assembly and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America or its duly authorized representatives, to decide what action by either spouse is then appropriate under Jewish matrimonial law; and if either spouse shall fail to honor the demand of the other or to carry out the decision of the Beth Din or its representative, the other spouse may invoke any and all remedies available in civil law and equity to enforce compliance with the Beth Din’s decision and this solemn obligation.
Bride and Groom then together declared before God and man that they have assigned their names to this ketubah of their own free will without reservation or restraint and the they intend to be bound by this holy covenant so long as they shall live.
Attested to __________________ Witness
Attested to __________________ Witness
Rabbi____________________ Cantor___________________
Bride____________________ Groom___________________


About Reform Ketubot
The Reform movement doesn’t have an official ketubah text. Most of what is called “reform” is the traditional Hebrew text with the addition of a section in English incorporating contemporary sentiments of romance, love, and friendship. In my version, the Hebrew and English are translations of each other. Anyone may witness the ketubah.

A Reform Ketubah (unofficial)
This ketubah witnesses before God and all those present that on the___ day of the week, during the month of ____ in the year 576_, which corresponds to (secular calendar date). The holy covenant of marriage was entered into between _____ and ______. And they said to each other: “I take you to be mine according to the traditions of Moses and Israel.
“We promise to be equal partners, loving friends, and supportive companions throughout our lives. We value in each other and ourselves qualities of forgiveness, compassion, and kindness. Our love will provide us with the determination to be ourselves while cherishing each other’s uniqueness. We promise to share in each other’s aspirations. We will empower each other to fulfill our goals and pursue our dreams. We will create a closeness that will enable us to express our innermost thoughts and feelings.
We promise to treasure and nourish one another; to be sensitive at all times to each other’s needs; to talk and to listen; to honor, respect, and appreciate one another. We promise to always be honest and open; to support each other through life’s challenges; to comfort one another through life’s sorrows; to share with one another life’s joys.
We will create a home, where all are welcome, and fill it with laughter, empathy, faith, imagination, trust, friendship, companionship, and love. We will celebrate holidays and traditions of our Jewish heritage and devote ourselves to learning, charity, and acts of kindness. We will create a family and provide for its emotional and physical needs. We will teach our family courtesy and compassion and we will be role models for the values we teach our children. May our lives grow together in prosperity and joy.
Witness______________________ Witness______________________
Bride______________________ Groom______________________
Rabbi______________________


About Egalitarian or Progressive Ketubot
This text preserves the flavor of the traditional Ketubah, but its emphasis is on mutual obligation and trust. For those interested, I also have an egalitarian text written by an Orthodox Rabbi, available upon request.

Egalitarian Ketubah
On the ___day of the week, the ___ day of the month _____ in the year 57 ___, corresponding to (secular calendar date) in the city of ____ that ________, said to __________: “Be my wife according to the tradition of Moses and Israel.” And she said to him: “Be my husband according to the tradition of Moses and Israel.”
And they said to each other, “We promise to love, honor, and cherish each other. We will protect and support one another, and faithfully care for our needs as a family and as individuals, as required by Jewish tradition.”
Bride and Groom then together declared before God and everyone that they have signed their names to this ketubah of their own free will without reservation or restraint and the they intend to be bound by this holy covenant so long as they shall live. This is valid and binding.
Witness______________________ Witness______________________
Bride______________________ Groom______________________
Rabbi______________________


About Same Sex Commitment/Lesbian or Gay Ketubot
Like the Egalitarian text, each individual affirms a mutual commitment. The language allows for same-sex commitment and acknowledges some of the issues in a union not sanctioned by current law.

Same Sex Commitment/Gay or Lesbian Ketubah
This ketubah witnesses that on the ___day of the week, the ___ day of the month _____ in the year 57 ___, corresponding to (secular calendar date) in the city of ____ that _____, and ______ said to each other: “Be my companion according to the tradition of Moses and Israel. Your family will be my family and mine yours. We promise to love, honor, and cherish each other. We will protect and support one another, and faithfully care for our needs as a family and as individuals, as required by Jewish tradition.”
________ and _______ also agree that they will give each other power of attorney and all property will be held in common. They have declared before God and everyone that they have signed their names to this ketubah of their own free will without reservation or restraint and that they intend to be bound by this holy covenant. This is valid and binding.
Witness______________________ Witness______________________
Groom______________________ Groom______________________
Rabbi______________________



About Interfaith Ketubot
The reality of contemporary love and marriage is that we can’t choose who we fall in love with. The interfaith ketubah is appropriate for those intermarrying, but who still want their own history and faith represented in their future family. It includes contemporary values of romance, love, friendship, and respect for each other’s individuality and traditions. However, this is still a Jewish tradition: the inclusion of Christian symbols, text, or liturgy would not be appropriate. The text is often presented only or mostly in English, but preserves the history and flavor of this tradition. Some couples add phrases in Hebrew and English to highlight the Jewish connection.

Interfaith Ketubah
This ketubah witnesses before God, family, and friends, that on the on the ___day of the week, the ___ day of the month _____ in the year 57 ___, corresponding to (secular calendar date) in the city of ____ that ___, (son of/from the family) _____, and _____, (daughter of/from the family) _____ said to each other: “With these rings we unite our hearts in tenderness and devotion. We will honor and respect each other, extending that respect to all that makes us who we are. We will support, protect, and encourage each other as we create a loving home filled with hope and courage. As we share our lives, promise to learn about each other’s heritage and pass the best of all that we are to our children. We promise not to lose sight of each other’s right to belief and faith and also not to agree with each other about everything. Most of all, we agree to meet each conflict with sensitivity and kindness.”
They have declared before God and everyone that they have signed their names to this ketubah of their own free will without reservation or restraint and that they intend to be bound by this holy covenant. This is valid and binding.
Witness______________________ Witness______________________
Bride______________________ Groom______________________
Rabbi______________________


About Anniversary Ketubot
A popular option for couples celebrating significant anniversaries, but it has no historical precedent in Jewish tradition. This allows the freedom to include any ideas of significance to the couple. In my version, the couple renews their commitment to each other while affirming their history together. The text states how many years the couple has been together and all that they have seen and done together, with a hopeful statement about the future.

Anniversary Ketubah
This ketubah stands as witness to our history together of ______ years. With joy, we remember the day we married _________ (secular date). With sadness we remember those who were present in our lives then who are no longer with us, ________ (name), ______(relationship). Through the years, we have endeavored to honor and respect each other. Those efforts have deepened our love and our trust in each other. We have shared our lives, traveling side by side as we explored the different paths of our lives. (We have raised our beloved child/ren together. We got to know each other in newer and deeper ways as parents.) Now, we renew our commitment to each other before our family and friends. We don’t know where life will take us next, but we can’t wait to see it hand in hand.
Witness______________________ Witness______________________
Wife______________________ Husband______________________
Rabbi______________________


About Custom Texts
The couple creates the text of their ketubah together. This is a valuable tool for setting out expectations and resolving thorny issues. Some elements to consider including: a statement of friendship and commitment, obligations to each other and to community, obligation to provide for children and their education, a vision your home together, an agreement to behave ethically, and a commitment to Judaism and larger world.

Writing Your Own: Some Samples
These are ketubot couples have written.

I.
It is a Tree of Life to those who hold fast to it. Its ways are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace.
On June 15, 1996, C.E., we witness that Jonathan Benjamin Freirich and Virginia Rose Reel said to each other in front of God and Everyone:
“Be my friend and companion and I will work for you, honor, support, and maintain you in accordance with the custom of Jewish Families. We will create peace in our home, balancing our values and traditions. We take the responsibility for this marriage contract and the preservation of our true friendship, the fruit of our individuality, for we know this to be the best and choicest of all our properties beneath the whole heaven anywhere that we now possess or ever may acquire.
“We will live together according to our custom, in friendship and in love. Always sharing in joy. Never abandoning hope or care. During my lifetime and after my death, from this day forever, our friendship will continue.
“The responsibility for this marriage contract has been taken on by us both. We will live together as is the way of the world. Should we have children, we agree to raise them in the custom of Judaism and the custom of our hearts. We agree to take responsibility for our words and for our actions, and will always provide for the needs of our future children. God forbid that we get divorced or that one of us dies, or that the roots of our mutual kindness wither. In all times, we agree to hold on to the spirit of our friendship with respect and caring. If we are unable to live together according to our custom, in friendship and in love, we will part as equals, taking an equal share in the abundance and burdens of our lives.
“We choose this tree to represent our friendship. There are seasons of change, but always, it remains. In the warmth of sunlight, as well as in the cold of frost, we love and are loved. With each leaf, our families and friends witness our growth. Our grandparents deepen our roots with their blessings.”
All present witness this bond.

Grandmother of Bride__________________
Grandfather of Bride__________________
Grandmother of Bride__________________
Grandfather of Groom__________________
Grandmother of Groom __________________
Grandfather of Groom__________________

II.
This ketubah witnesses before God and family that on the beginning of the first day of the week, the 13th day of the month Tammuz, in the year 5760, corresponding to sunset, Saturday evening, on the 15th day of July 2000,
David Green, son of Mary Ellen Radder and Gary Allen Green, & Amanda Blum, daughter of Marie Diane Henry and Jay Blum, duly conscious of the solemn obligation, entered the holy covenant of marriage. David said to his bride, Amanda: “By giving you this ring, I promise to keep you in my heart and to honor and protect you according to the laws and traditions of Judaism.” Amanda said to her groom, David: “You are my beloved, and I promise to give you all my love and devotion. I will treasure you and support you in all that you do.”
And they said to each other: “We will live together in a home filled with laughter, love, empathy, imagination, trust, and friendship; always sharing in joy; never abandoning hope or care. From this day to the end of time, we will support each other in times of need, cherish our differences, and give each other strength and courage. If we should have children, we agree to raise them in the traditions of Judaism and of our hearts. If, God forbid, we are ever unable to live together in friendship and in love, we agree to part as equals, taking an equal share in the abundance and burdens of our lives.”
We are bound together by the bond of marriage.
Groom________ Bride___________
Witness_______ Witness_________
Rabbi______________

III.
The Promise that we make with this contract is deeper than we can describe with words. Its meaning emanates from the marrow of our bones, uniting our present love with the spirit of our ancestors and the promise of future generations. We joyfully undertake the challenge of creating a modern family that will stand the test of time. To accomplish this task, we pledge to face each day together, sharing our collective strengths and experiences. We bring to each other our mutual respect and compassion and hope to embody a kinship that celebrates both the individual and the family. To this end, we each vow to the other, our unending support and will urge each other to work harder, to dream bigger, and to take advantage of all that life has to offer. And so, this day, in the presence of all those we hold so dear, we proclaim our love for each other in both a proud shout and a precious whisper. Fate may have made us one but let this document stand as a testament to our belief in the power of two.

Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following after you, for where you go, I will go. Wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I shall be buried. --Book of Ruth

Bride________________________ Groom_______________________
Witness______________________ Witness______________________
Rabbi________________________

IV.
Love is an old root that creeps
through the meadows of sleep.
When the long shadows cast
Thin as a vagrant young vine,
it encircles and twines,
And it holds the heart fast
Catches dreamers in the wildwood
with the stars in their eyes
And the moon in their tousled hair
But love is a light in the sky, and an unspoken lie,
And a half-whispered prayer.
(from a song by David Carter)

On March 8, 2003, we witness that Paul Daniel Marcus and Lisa Amy Beyer pledged to each other in front of family and friends:
We promise to love and support each other and to live together in friendship and honesty. We promise to make each other laugh and to share our joy whenever possible. We agree to ask for help when we need it and to raise our children in a loving home. We join together as one family and will welcome all into our lives.
This is valid and binding and we certify and support this union:
lines for 23 signatures (everyone attending wedding plus the bride and the groom)