The Ketubah: A Guide to the Jewish Marriage Contract
The ketubah (plural ketubot) is a Jewish marriage contract that is signed by the groom and two witnesses before the wedding ceremony. It outlines the groom's financial obligations to the bride in the event of divorce or his death. The ketubah also includes a section that describes the bride's dowry, and it can also include other provisions, such as the couple's agreement to live together in harmony and to raise their children in the Jewish faith.
Why is the Ketubah Important?
The ketubah is an important legal document that protects the bride's financial rights in the event of divorce or the groom's death. It is also a symbolic document that represents the couple's commitment to each other and to their marriage.
How Does the Ketubah Benefit the Bride?
The ketubah benefits the bride in several ways:
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It provides her with financial security. The ketubah ensures that the bride will have financial support in the event of divorce or the groom's death.
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It protects her rights. The ketubah outlines the groom's obligations to the bride, and it can help to protect her rights in the event of a dispute.
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It is a symbol of the couple's commitment. The ketubah is a physical representation of the couple's commitment to each other and to their marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ketubah
1. What is the difference between a ketubah and a marriage license?
A ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract, while a marriage license is a government document that authorizes a couple to marry. Both documents are required for a Jewish marriage.
2. Who signs the ketubah?
The ketubah is signed by the groom and two witnesses. The witnesses must be Jewish men who are over the age of 13.
3. What is included in the ketubah?
The ketubah includes the following information:
* The names of the bride and groom
* The date of the wedding
* The amount of the groom's dowry
* The groom's obligations to the bride in the event of divorce or his death
* Any other provisions that the couple agrees to
4. What is the significance of the ketubah?
The ketubah is a legal document that protects the bride's financial rights. It is also a symbolic document that represents the couple's commitment to each other and to their marriage.
5. What happens if the ketubah is lost or destroyed?
If the ketubah is lost or destroyed, the couple can obtain a copy from the rabbi who performed their wedding ceremony.
Call to Action
If you are getting married, be sure to get a ketubah. It is an important legal and symbolic document that will protect your rights and represent your commitment to your marriage.
Table 1: Ketubah Provisions
| Provision |
Description |
| Amount of the groom's dowry |
The amount of money that the groom gives to the bride as a gift. |
| Groom's obligations to the bride in the event of divorce |
The groom's financial obligations to the bride in the event of divorce, such as paying her alimony and child support. |
| Groom's obligations to the bride in the event of his death |
The groom's financial obligations to the bride in the event of his death, such as providing for her in his will. |
| Any other provisions |
Any other provisions that the couple agrees to, such as the couple's agreement to live together in harmony and to raise their children in the Jewish faith. |
Table 2: Benefits of the Ketubah
| Benefit |
Description |
| Provides the bride with financial security |
The ketubah ensures that the bride will have financial support in the event of divorce or the groom's death. |
| Protects the bride's rights |
The ketubah outlines the groom's obligations to the bride, and it can help to protect her rights in the event of a dispute. |
| Is a symbol of the couple's commitment |
The ketubah is a physical representation of the couple's commitment to each other and to their marriage. |
Table 3: Facts About the Ketubah
