Ketubah

Spiritual Commitment Declaration

In ancient Israel a marriage was an involved commitment between the Groom and the Bride. The extent of this commitment  went beyond a promise to love,  respect and cherish each other. A negotiation took place between the families of the bride and groom regarding the financial arrangments of the marriage agreement.

These financial agreements were important parts of the marriage ceremonies. While the Groom was not obligated to guarantee the Bride a specific monthly sum during their marriage, he did have to obligate himself to all her basic needs such as sustenance, shelter, clothing as well as her intimate marital relations. He also obligated himself to the exact amount of money which he would give his bride in case of a future divorce.   In the Jewish traditions values of love,respect and emotional  support go without saying, These values are indeed alluded to even in ancient Ketuba agreements.       

In addition, the exact amount of valuables, either money or goods, was negotiated between the two sides and changed hands as part of the "T'na-im", conditions, under which the wedding ceremony will take place. These exchanges  were not recorded in the Ketubah itself but  certainly were an important  part of the negotiations.  

In a modern traditional Ketuba, a symbolic amount of money to be exchange between the Bride and the Groom is mentioned. However among non-orthodox communities as well as in interfaith Ketubahs only the couple's spiritual commitment to each other is written. No money or valubles are mentioned.  

Copyright 2009 Florida Rabbi Interfaith Jewish Weddings Jewish Interfaith Wedding Officiant Ceremonies . All rights reserved.

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