About Custom Texts
You’re welcome to use any custom text.
In order to use texts from other sources, you will need:
Permission from the copyright holder. Most independent ketubah artists ask for a small fee to support their work. You will need to contact them and arrange permission. If you write your own text, you are the copyright holder.
The text in Hebrew and English (or any language you want to use). Referrals to independent translators are available on request.
You don’t need to have your names and dates filled in - that is part of the service offered at Ketubah Arts. Languages other than Hebrew and English may be used if you provide them.
The text in an editable format (doc, rtf, txt). (Please no PDFs or Davka files).
When you have your text you can send it to ginny@ketubah-arts.com as an attachment or link to file sharing.
About Writing Your Own Ketubah
Finding new ways to say that you love each other can be pretty difficult, but is well worth the effort. You may want to start with a text and cross out all the parts you don't like or reword the parts you do like, then add in things that are missing. As you write, remember that originality is not necessarily the goal - a heartfelt and sincere statement will be meaningful if it says something real about you and your commitment to each other.
Some elements to consider including:
your names in English and Hebrew Names (see What is a Hebrew Name?)
the date and location of your wedding
a statement of friendship and commitment
obligations to each other and to community
promises for communication and respect
promises to provide for future children and their education
a vision of your home together
an agreement to behave ethically
a commitment to Judaism and larger world
Who do you want to sign?
The traditional answer is two adult Jewish men in good standing with your community. Unless you have chosen the Orthodox or Conservative ketubah text, however, you may choose who and how many witnesses you want to sign your ketubah. Do you want to sign it yourself? Do you want your rabbi to sign it? Do you want the witnesses’ signatures as part of the design or at the bottom like a standard contract?
