In many Jewish weddings the ketubah is an integral part of the traditional Jewish marriage. A ketubah is a printed document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom in relation to the bride. The ketubah explains the basic material, conjugal and moral responsibilities of the husband to his wife and it is signed by the groom and two witnesses and given to the bride during the wedding ceremony. (Halachically, according to Jewish law, only two witnesses need to sign the ketubah and see the groom give the ketubah to the bride and she must accept it.)
Its purpose was to protect the woman’s rights in case of divorce or death. Ever since the 14th century it has become tradition to decorate the ketubah as artwork and hang it in the home as a keepsake.
A few blogs back I talked about the potential of writing your own vows for your marriage ceremony. I love this process of professing to each other how you feel and why you want to marry your partner. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing to have these vows printed and hung prominently in your home? Every time you feel angry or hurt, look at your vows in the framed art work and reflect on what’s really important.
