fbpx

With this ketubah, I thee wed

While civil ceremonies abound up and down the California coast, those seeking a Jewish ceremony -- complete with ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract) -- have a few extra stops to make on the road to matrimony.
[additional-authors]
June 18, 2008

While civil ceremonies abound up and down the California coast, those seeking a Jewish ceremony — complete with ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract) — have a few extra stops to make on the road to matrimony.

There are lots of ketubot to choose from — both in Los Angeles and online — to help solidify a couple’s love for one another.

At online ketubah store ” target=”_blank”title=”Commitment Ketubah”>Commitment Ketubah‘ for same-sex couples (see image below) comes in a variety of colors and styles ($99-$329) and can be purchased with or without a frame. KC Walensky, customer service specialist, said the company has had a increase in recent days of couples requesting it.

The top of the ketubah, written in Hebrew, is a translation of the English below it, not of the traditional Aramaic section one would find on an Orthodox or Conservative ketubah.

The ketubah for two males, for example, begins with: “On the ___ day of the week, the _____ day of _____, in the year ______, corresponding to the ______ day of ______, in the year______, in ______, ______, son of ______, and ______, son of ______, joined each other before family and friends to enter into a mutual covenant as equal partners, and with love and compassion each vowed to the other: Today I love you completely….”

The bottom has lines for the couple, two witnesses and the rabbi to sign.

Locally, both Audrey’s Museum Store at the Skirball Cultural Center and Gallery Judaica in Westwood offer same-sex ketubot from a variety of artists.

“For years we’ve been welcoming same-sex couples,” said Pamela Balton, store director for Audrey’s. “Before it was legal, couples were coming in to purchase pieces of art for commitment ceremonies.”

Delivery of ketubot, which range in price from $125 to $1,000, can take anywhere from a week to a couple of months (based on where it is being shipped from), and many can be personalized.

Although there is a ketubah specialist on site at the Skirball, couples don’t need to make an appointment to see the selection.

“We’ve done chuppahs, ketubot, the wedding glass, everything,” said Andrew Fish, marketing director for Gallery Judaica.

“The main difference is the wording of the ketubah,” he said, noting that some of the ketubot are gender neutral and some only come in English.

“We just like to help,” Fish said. “Whomever needs helps getting married — we’re going to help them get married.

” target=”_blank”>Skirball, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 440-4505 (closed Mondays).

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Bringing God Down to Earth

Mark Gerson’s new book, “God Was Right,” offers a continuous dance between ancient wisdom and modern science, and comes out with practical lessons on virtually every aspect of life.

Jews Must Bring Back King’s Dream

As Jew-haters continue to separate us from America, there’s no better moment to reaffirm our bond with this country than the anniversary of King’s defining speech.

Calling All People of Principle

Where are the men and women of courage and moral clarity, like Émile Zola, who recognize biblical scapegoating in the world’s condemnation of Israel?

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.