What's the Process?

Getting started
What is a ketubah?
The signing

Getting Started

Depending on where you live we can arrange to meet in person, or we can work over the phone to discuss the details.  In a nutshell, I will ask you to tell me the story of your relationship. I will ask you to think about how you want your ketubah to reflect the commitment you are making. What are your hopes as you begin this new stage in your life journey as a couple?

Do you want to write your own text, or choose a text that's already written? What types of images would you like your ketubah to have?  I have a series of suggestions and questions to guide you.
 
Your text can be written in English and translated into Hebrew if you would like.  
If we're working long distance (communicating by phone or email), I can send you guides via email that will help you.  


All artwork and calligraphy is done by hand. I am happy to work with interfaith and same-sex couples.

What is a ketubah?

Technically speaking, a ketubah is a contract. Historically speaking, the ketubah's history dates back to the 2nd century when it was a, "no nonsense," contractual agreement stipulating the specific terms of the union, and the groom's pledge to the bride's family that he would support her. 

Today's ketubah, however, is very different from the ancient document of the past. Thanks to some artistic and creative thinkers in the 1970s and 1980s, the ketubah is enjoying yet another renaissance. The spirit of the 1960s helped to shape and reclaim the tradition of the modern ketubah, and transform it into an artful and spiritual symbol connecting two partners to one another and to their rich heritage as well.
 
Couples today use the ketubah to thoughtfully and creatively formalize their ideas about relationship and partnership—how they will love and respect one another, how they will raise a family or build a homelife together, and often, how they plan to weather life's challenges. Modern ketubot (plural of ketubah) also allow couples to incorporate a sense of social consciousness--as they ask the larger community to recognize their commitment to each other, in what ways will they, as a couple, contribute back to the health and sustenance of the community and the world at large?

The Ketubah Signing

Just as the ketubah has undergone a revival in form, so has the ritual of the ketubah signing.  Though it may have once been a mere formality, or something to do while waiting for guests to arrive, many couples now use the signing of the ketubah (symbolically, the Jewish “legal portion of the show”) to be cause for celebration itself.

Couples often utilize the ketubah signing as an opportunity to gather together with a small number of close friends and family in an intimate moment prior to the whirlwind of the ceremony under the huppah.


Technically, there need to be two witnesses. Traditionally, the witnesses have been Jewish men, and specifically, men who are not related by blood. (Theoretically, the role of the witness is to help the couple to stick to the agreement they make by signing the ketubah (i.e., honor the terms of the marriage). Since it is assumed that one’s family can already be counted on to do that (in a perfect world), one would choose trusted friends outside the family to witness the signing of the ketubah.) Many couples choose female witnesses in addition to the male witnesses, and make a point to include non-Jewish signers as ways of reflecting diversity in their lives.


Another custom has evolved where a couple creates a spontaneous “community for a day,” and will invite everyone attending the wedding to act as a witness, and to sign the ketubah. By witnessing and signing the ketubah, all the guests take on the responsibility of helping the couple keep the promises they make to one another as they take this dramatic step forward. In this way, the couple helps to spark a special sense of community spirit among their guests.

There are so many ways to create a memorable and meaningful ceremony around signing your ketubah.