The terms follow a fixed Afghani formula that specifies a gift from the groom of 200 and 25 zuzin (ancient Jewish coinage struck 2nd century CE), and his tosefet (additional gift) of 10 zuzin. The first is a paper ketubah given by Pinḥas, son of Yosef, to Batsheva, daughter of Nethan’el in Herat, on 15th of Sivan, 5649, corresponding to 14th June 1889. Here are two telling examples from our collection. Some specimens flaunt bold and brilliant colouring and crude designs, while others exhibit native motifs and indigenous symbols. Oriental marriage contracts are scarcer than European ones, and serve as important examples of Jewish art and illumination of the areas they originated from. Italian ketubah, Modena, 1 October 1557 (BL Or.6706) Perhaps in an attempt to increase its value, the contract’s original date of 1757 was changed to 1557. The magnificent double border is composed of intricate micrographic lacework, surrounded by cut out patterns on a red ground inhabited by biblical vignettes, and the signs of the zodiac. The elaborate ketubah features an imposing architectural structure, topped by winged cherubs holding trumpets and leafy branches.
Seen here is an elegant, exquisitely decorated contract from Modena, recording the nuptials of Ephraim son of Kalonymus Sanguini, and Luna daughter of Mordecai Faro. Characteristic adornments found in Italian ketubot include: biblical scenes, cherubs, coats of arms, micrographic designs, temple columns, zodiac signs and various others. Beautifully ornamented specimens were executed by highly skilled scribes and illuminators, on parchment or vellum.
In Italy the art of the ketubah reached its pinnacle in the 17th and 18th centuries CE. The earliest examples, dating from around the 10th century CE, were discovered in the Cairo Genizah, a storeroom of discarded religious and secular Jewish documents, which had been preserved for nearly one thousand years, in the attic of the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Fustat, old Cairo.įrom around the 14th century CE onwards, the custom of decorating ketubot flourished among communities of the Sephardi diaspora, particularly in Italy, spreading gradually to other Jewish diasporic centres, including those in Asia. Yet more than just being visually appealing objects, ketubot are historical records, revealing social patterns, traditions and values within the Jewish communities they stemmed from.įew decorated Jewish marriage contracts from the Middle Ages have survived. The art forms found in Jewish marriage contracts vary from country to country, and reflect the artistic developments and trends of their original locales, at particular periods. Collection of prayers, London, 1702-1714 ( BL Harley MS 5713, f. The bridal canopy and blessings recited at the wedding service. The ketubah is customarily read out loud to the couple during the wedding service, under the bridal canopy ( hupah). Since this is effectively a formal transaction, the contract is usually signed by at least two male witnesses, either before or immediately after the marriage ceremony. Depending on their geo-cultural area of production, or the social position of the families involved, Jewish marriage contracts might also stipulate: the provision of food and clothing by the husband, his pledge not to take a second wife, the dowry the wife brings to the household. Its traditional Aramaic text lays down the groom's financial obligations towards the bride, thus ensuring her protection and security, should the marriage dissolve, or the husband pass away. The writing of a ketubah has been an integral part of Jewish weddings for over 2,000 years.Ī mandatory deed given to a Jewish bride on her wedding day for safekeeping, the ketubah is considered to be one of the earliest documents granting women legal and financial rights. To mark the occasion a marriage contract – a ketubah (literally ‘a writ’) is drawn up stipulating the couple’s binding obligations and responsibilities. Jewish Wedding Song Siman Tov & Mazal Tov ( YouTube) The celebration of a marriage is one of Judaism’s happiest and most joyous communal events.
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