Ketubah (כְּתוּבָּה) is a traditional Jewish marriage contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom toward the bride. It’s a legal document written in Aramaic, historically designed to protect the woman in case of divorce or the husband’s death. The Ketubah has been a central feature of Jewish marriage for over two thousand years and continues to be used in many Jewish communities today.

Historical Origins
The concept of the Ketubah is rooted in rabbinic tradition, particularly the Babylonian Talmud. It was formally enacted by Simeon ben Shetach to discourage easy or impulsive divorce. The idea was that if a man had to pay a financial sum upon divorcing his wife, he would think twice before ending the marriage casually.

In earlier biblical times, a similar financial obligation existed called the Mohar, or bride-price, which the groom paid to the bride or her family. Over time, the mohar was absorbed into the Ketubah as a deferred payment, due only in case of divorce or death. This change made it easier for young men to marry without needing to pay a large sum upfront.

What’s Included in a Ketubah?
A traditional Ketubah typically includes:

• Names of the bride and groom
• Date and location of the wedding
• Financial obligations of the groom (e.g., the amount to be paid if the marriage ends)
• A pledge of support, including food, shelter, and marital rights
• A commitment to respect and honor the wife

While originally a legal document enforceable in Jewish courts, modern Ketubot (plural) also serve a ceremonial and symbolic purpose. Many are beautifully designed and framed as part of the couple’s home.

Religious and Social Role
In Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, the Ketubah is still a binding legal document according to halakha (Jewish law). In Reform or secular Jewish weddings, it may be used more symbolically, with the text often personalized to reflect shared values, mutual commitments, or egalitarian principles.

The Ketubah not only defines the marital obligations of the husband but also serves to protect the wife’s financial security, ensuring she is not left destitute if the marriage ends.

Modern Analogy
A modern secular equivalent might be a prenuptial agreement or the legal concept of alimony. However, the Ketubah predates these modern legal constructs by many centuries and reflects Judaism’s early efforts to formalize women’s rights within marriage.