One of the essential elements of a Jewish wedding ceremony is the ancient custom of signing a ketubah, or marriage contract. While the earliest ketubahs were written in Aramaic and established the financial obligations of the bridegroom to his bride, today the text is often written in Hebrew and English and has expanded to include a more balanced approach with wording that reflects the couple’s feelings for each other and the hopes and dreams they have for their future together.
Commissioning a beautiful ritual object such as a ketubah fulfills the Jewish concept of hiddur mitzvah — the idea that when a physical object is needed to fulfill a commandment, the object should be made as beautiful as possible. Modern ketubahs are personal works of art and a way for couples to express their individual style and spirit.
Process
Our design process is collaborative and begins with the inspiration we gather through getting to know the couple. By asking questions, listening and learning, we get a sense of their relationship and what is important to them. Favorite symbols, themes, and colors all come into play as we explore the elements that will make the ketubah both meaningful and beautiful. We have a range of traditional texts to choose from and can work with couples interested in creating their own wording. We can also provide Hebrew translations of non-traditional wordings for interfaith weddings and commitment ceremonies.
Vow Books
The same process is used for couples of any spiritual tradition that are looking for a commemorative document or keepsake for their wedding. For couples who have written their own vows or are looking for a way to record their promises to one another, the signing of a vow book is a wonderful ritual that brings the family together and is a beautiful document to preserve the essence of their wedding.
Mitzvahs
Our handmade folios have been used to create spectacular mitzvah certificates that hold the bar or bat mitzvah child’s torah portion. With places for each of the parents, grandparents and siblings to sign along with the rabbi, cantor and teacher, they become an heirloom to treasure, l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.
Certificates
We design resolutions, awards, retirement certificates and other keepsakes where an archival heirloom document is called for. We have even created an exquisite commemorative menu for a bride and groom whose carefully planned twelve-course meal was a special highlight of their wedding!
Other Ritual Objects
We create beautiful custom chuppahs, or marriage canopies, using our extensive fabric and lace collection. Please inquire.
