The ketubah, or marriage contract, must be signed before the wedding can begin. The rabbi explains the terms of the ketubah to the groom. The groom agrees to be bound by the terms of the ketubah by the symbolic act of holding the corner of a handkerchief which the rabbi extends to him. Then the witnesses sign the ketubah.

The ketubah specifies the mutual obligations of the bride and groom. At one time, this marriage contract gave the bride important legal protection. Today, the purpose of the ketubah is to remind the couple of their moral responsibilities to each other. "Be my wife in accordance with the law of Moses and Israel. I will work for you; I will honor, support and maintain you, as it becomes Jewish husbands who work for their wives, honoring and supporting them faithfully...."                                 

 Our Ketubeh      

The ketuvah, written in Aramaic, details the husband's  obligations to his wife: food, clothing, dwelling and pleasure. It also creates a lien on all his property to pay her a sum of money and support should he divorce her, or predecease her. The document is signed by the groom and witnessed by two people, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement, that in many countries is enforceable by secular law. The ketuvah is often written as an illuminated manuscript, and becomes a work of art in itself, and many couples frame it and display it in their home.
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