Historically, a ketubah was a binding legal document, in accordance with Jewish law that detailed a husband’s obligation to his wife and made provisions for her protection in the event of divorce or his death. It was not a contract between the spouses. It was a document signed by witnesses verifying that the requisite conditions for marriage were met. It’s the religious equivalent of a prenuptial agreement in secular civil law. 

The ketubah has evolved into a document and a process that sanctifies, affirms, and shapes modern partnerships. Modern ketubot can:

• Embrace all genders

• Allow for egalitarian divorce (i.e. the ability of either party to dissolve the agreement)

• Detail the commitments of both partners

• Function as a covenant for intimate relationships

• Traditional Orthodox Version 

  • This version is in full accordance with Jewish law

  • See a version of the English and Aramaic here

• Conservative Version = Traditional Orthodox + Lieberman Clause

  • The Lieberman Clause is an amendment that allows either partner to dissolve the agreement

  • See a version of the full text here

• Brit Ahuvim, created by Rabbi Rachel Adler

  • The Brit Ahuvim is a different legal and ritual construct. Traditionally, a ketubah signified that a groom had acquired a bride by meeting certain conditions (compensation and future provisions). The Brit Ahuvim is an agreement of partnership that comes out of the legal traditions of business partnership rather than acquisition.

  • See the text on Ritualwell

  • The “Provisions of the Covenant” section is often personalized.

  • Find more about the Jewish legal framework for the Brit Ahuvim here

• Other 

  • There are endless versions of the text that adapt or depart from the language of the Orthodox/Conservative versions. They typically include more descriptive language about the nature of the marriage the partners are entering. Generally, they fall outside the purview of Jewish law.

  • Ketubah.com has great examples that can inspire you. Keep in mind that they are copyrighted and can only be used when purchasing a ketubah from this site. Their DIY option allows you to print the text and commission an artist to make you a custom piece around it, but it cannot be handwritten. 

  • Rabbi Steph can guide you in drafting your own text.

Ketubot are often written in a mixture of Hebrew, Aramaic, and English.

Rabbi Steph can do minor editing of Hebrew and Aramaic. If you want to write your own text and have it translated, a professional translator should be hired for an additional fee.