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, the     th day of the month of      in the year 57    , which corresponds to     ,     ,     , the groom ____ (son of ____ and ____) and the bride _____ (daughter of ____ and _____) stood under the wedding canopy to enter the holy covenant of marriage. With love and reverence, the bride and groom declared:  "With these rings, we consecrate ourselves in marriage 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 compassion and forgiveness, understanding and wisdom. Our love will provide us with the strength to be ourselves while cherishing the beauty of our differences. We promise to share in each other’s dreams while not forgetting our own. Because we cherish the closeness that allows us to express our innermost thoughts and feelings, we promise to give one another respect, trust, and support throughout our lives together. We promise to support and comfort each other in times of sorrow and to share our joys and triumphs. We will create a home, where all are welcome, and fill it with laughter, empathy, faith, imagination, trust, friendship, companionship, and love. In our family and our home, we will celebrate Jewish holidays and honor the traditions of Judaism and devote ourselves to learning, charity, and acts of kindness. If we have children in our new family, we will teach our family courtesy and compassion and we will live the values we teach our children. Bride and Groom then together declared before God and all present that they have signed their names to this ketubah of their own free will without reservation or restraint and they intend to be bound by this holy covenant so long as they shall live.

Witness______________________ Witness______________________

Bride______________________ Groom______________________

Rabbi______________________