Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Visit your local Judaica store or the gift shop of your synagogue to look at their selection of ketubahs. Take your fiance with you. He might not care about the china pattern or the bridesmaid dresses, but stress to him that a ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract that should reflect your commitment to each other and the specific terms of your marriage.
Step2
Pat attention to the artwork on each sample and decide which styles appeal to you the most. Ketubah artists can follow traditions and use flowers, leaves and birds, or they can be more eclectic and draw from the images of cities, music, food and other unusual details. If you both gravitate towards one artist, ask to view that person's entire collection. If it's not available in the store, try KetubahKetubah.com.
Step3
Read the words of any ketubah you consider. Some ketubahs presume a traditional male and female relationship; others emphasize equality between the partners. Make sure you and your prospective spouse agree on the language; your expectations of your future roles should match. You can involve your rabbi or your couples counselor in this choice.
Step4
If you like from the images on a ketubah, but disagree with how the sentiments are phrased, contact the artist about altering the language of the ketubah. Ketubahs are usually lithographs, customized to include the bride and groom's name, so changing the text often is possible.
Step5
Select your ketubah and purchase it through your Judaica store or online. Check whether the website allows for customizing. Judaica stores usually offer this service.
Step6
Take the ketubah to a frame store and have it mounted with a protective cover. After it's signed on your wedding day, remove the cover and mount it for display in your home.
Comments
AriMax said
on 10/16/2007 it's actually more complicated than that. If I followed those instructions I would end up with a ketubah that I probably couldn't use because the rabbi would say my information was incomplete. You need detailed information-parents Hebrew names, Hebrew dates, to fill in even the most progressive ketubahs. We help our couples find this information to insure the accuracy of their ketubah, which is a marriage contract according to Jewish law. The couple must check with the rabbi and find out what his text requirements are. Our web site is www.ketubah-gallery.com and we work with the couple and rabbi to ensure accuracy according to Jewish law. It is so much more than a piece of art work.