Ketubah texts
Orthodox Ketubah Text
The classical marriage document, its structure and meaning, with a sample translation.
Who this is for
Couples marrying under Orthodox auspices, where the ketubah is a binding legal document written in Aramaic and signed by two qualified witnesses. It is read aloud under the chuppah.
The structure of the text
The Orthodox ketubah records the date and place, the names of the couple, and the groom's obligations to his wife: to honor, support and maintain her, together with the value of the ketubah payment (the ikkar) and any additional sum he adds (the tosefet). It closes with the formula that the obligation is real and binding, and is signed by witnesses.
A sample in English
On the ____ day of the week, the ____ day of the month, in the year ____ since the creation of the world, according to the reckoning we use here in ____,
how ____, son of ____, said to this ____, daughter of ____: "Be my wife according to the law of Moses and Israel. I will work for you, honor you, support and maintain you, as Jewish husbands faithfully do."
And she consented, and they established the essential ketubah, together with the additional sum, as a debt binding upon him and his estate. All is valid and confirmed.
Sample texts are for education. Always confirm the final text with your officiating rabbi.
Key phrases
- Ketubah (כתובה)Literally 'written'; the marriage document itself and the sum it guarantees.
- IkkarThe essential, fixed ketubah amount required by law.
- TosefetThe additional sum the husband voluntarily adds, often reflecting status or affection.
- K'dat Moshe v'Yisrael'According to the law of Moses and Israel', the core phrase of the marriage.
- EdimThe two qualified witnesses who sign the document.
What varies by community
The halachic core is shared, but the exact Aramaic wording, the tosefet formulae, the currency named, and the decorative tradition all differ by community. Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Moroccan, Yemenite, Italian and Chabad texts each have distinctive features, explored on the pages below.
Six customs, one shared core
The halachic core of the Orthodox ketubah is broadly shared, but the exact wording, the tosefet (added sum), and the decorative tradition differ by community. Explore each below.
Ashkenazi
The standard Central and Eastern European text and its zuzim formula.
ReadSephardi (Edot HaMizrach)
Edot HaMizrach wording, often with detailed financial clauses.
ReadMoroccan
A distinctive North African tradition with its own clauses and ornament.
ReadYemenite (Baladi & Shami)
Baladi and Shami variants, with ancient wording traditions.
ReadItalian
The lavish Italian tradition, historically the most decorated.
ReadChabad
Chabad-Lubavitch practice within the Ashkenazi tradition.
ReadCommon questions
Is the Orthodox ketubah a religious or legal document?
Both. It is a binding legal contract under Jewish law, written in Aramaic and signed by two qualified witnesses, that sets out the husband's obligations to his wife.
Can the Orthodox text be egalitarian?
The classical Orthodox ketubah is one-directional by design. Couples who want fully mutual vows generally choose a Conservative, egalitarian or alternative text. Discuss options with your rabbi.
Who signs an Orthodox ketubah?
Two witnesses who meet halachic requirements, typically not close relatives of the couple. The couple's own signatures are a modern custom in some communities.
Draft a sample text
Use the generator, then confirm every detail with your rabbi.
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