Vows, contracts and registrationMiddle EastJewish
Ketubah
In its own language: כְּתוּבָּה
The Jewish marriage contract that outlines the groom's financial and personal obligations to the bride.
A ketubah is a traditional Jewish marriage contract that formalizes the rights and responsibilities of the husband toward his wife. It serves as a legal protection for the bride, ensuring her security in the event of divorce or the husband's death. The document is signed by witnesses and read aloud during the ceremony under the wedding canopy.
When is Ketubah kept?
Ketubah is kept during the Jewish wedding ceremony.
The ketubah is a foundational Jewish marriage contract that protects the bride's rights within the union. Enacted by ancient rabbis to prevent casual divorce, it outlines the groom's financial and personal duties. This sacred document is signed before the ceremony and read aloud under the chuppah, serving as a lasting reminder of the couple's vows and mutual responsibilities.
Origins and history
Simeon ben Shetach enacted the ketubah to discourage men from divorcing their wives lightly. It replaced the biblical mohar, a bride price paid upfront, which often prevented young men from marrying. By delaying payment until divorce or death, the rabbis made marriage more accessible while still protecting the woman. This system ensured the wife received support if her husband died or left her, functioning similarly to modern alimony.
Legal content and amounts
The contract specifies the husband's obligation to provide food, clothing, and conjugal relations. It also sets a fixed cash sum payable upon divorce or widowhood. Traditionally, this principal amount is 200 silver denaria for a virgin bride and 100 for a widow or divorced woman. Many communities add an extra jointure sum. The text varies by community, with some listing individual components rather than a single aggregate total.
Ceremony and witnessing
Two valid witnesses sign the ketubah before the wedding. These witnesses cannot be blood relatives of the couple. In Orthodox practice, women do not serve as witnesses. The document is then read aloud under the chuppah between the betrothal and the main ceremony. Afterward, it is given to the bride or her mother for safekeeping, marking the official start of the marital bond.
Design and display
Ketubot are often treated as ceremonial art, featuring designs that reflect the couple's style or regional traditions. While traditionally written in Aramaic, many modern versions use Hebrew or include translations. Some couples hang the document prominently in their home, while others keep it private to avoid inviting jealousy or the evil eye. Decorative elements like micrography are common in historical examples.
How Ketubah is kept
Two non-relative witnesses sign the document before the ceremony. The ketubah is then read aloud under the chuppah. The bride or her mother receives the signed contract. The groom pledges specific financial support and care. The couple may choose a design that reflects their heritage or personal taste. The document remains in the home as a reminder of vows.
When and where
It is signed before the wedding ceremony and read aloud under the chuppah. The date is set by the couple's chosen wedding day. No specific calendar season is required, though auspicious days may be selected.
It is central to Jewish weddings worldwide. Historical examples come from Egypt and Yemen. Israel maintains strong legal ties to the document. Communities vary in how they display or store the contract after signing.
What Ketubah means
The ketubah symbolizes the groom's commitment to protect and provide for his wife. It transforms marriage from a casual arrangement into a binding legal and spiritual covenant. The financial pledge ensures the wife's dignity and security. It represents a shift from transactional bride prices to long-term spousal responsibility.
Who takes part
- The groom: Pledges financial support and personal obligations to the bride
- The bride: Receives the contract and its protections
- The witnesses: Sign the document to validate the marriage contract
- The bride's mother: Often receives the signed ketubah for safekeeping
If you are a guest
Guests may witness the signing if they are not close relatives. They observe the reading under the chuppah. They do not typically bring gifts related to the ketubah itself. Their presence validates the public nature of the contract.
Then and now
Modern ketubot often include egalitarian or interfaith texts. Conservative Jews may add the Lieberman clause to ensure civil divorce adherence. Couples frequently customize designs to match their aesthetic preferences. The document remains a core part of traditional Jewish weddings despite secular influences.
On the wedding table
Symbols: The ring The canopy
Questions people ask about Ketubah
When is Ketubah kept?
Ketubah is kept during the Jewish wedding ceremony.
What is a ketubah?
It is a Jewish marriage contract that outlines the groom's financial and personal duties to the bride. It ensures the wife's security in case of divorce or widowhood. The document is signed before the ceremony and read aloud under the chuppah.
Who signs the ketubah?
Two valid witnesses sign the document. They cannot be blood relatives of the couple. In Orthodox Judaism, only men can serve as witnesses. The groom and bride do not sign it themselves.
Is the ketubah legally binding?
It is a religious contract under Jewish law. Civil courts rarely enforce it outside Israel. It functions as a moral and communal obligation rather than a state-enforced legal document in most countries.
See also
Good reading and sources
- Ketubah on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ketubah", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryShaadi rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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