HISTORY OF THE KETUBOT

Traditionally, the Ketubah has been a legal document which affirms the covenant of marriage, and the obligations and behavior of a husband toward his wife.  Presumed to have been introduced around the time of the Return to Zion after the Babylonian Exile, the Ketubah was instituted both to set in writing the declaration of mutual devotion, duty and protection for each other as well as for traditional values.

That the husband could not live with his wife without a Ketubah reflects the legal significance of this document.  If it is lost, the husband is obligated to obtain another one for his wife.

The Orthodox Ketubah has retained its original text.  The Conservative text incorporates a clause designed to insure that, in case of divorce, the couple will obtain a traditional get (divorce writ).  A different text is used as Reform marriage ceremonies.

As with all objects used in ritual, the desire to beautify articles of religious significance has resulted in the ornamented Ketubah through the ages.  The illumination of these Ketubot was usually characteristic of the prevalent artistic styles of the times in which they were written.