Creating a Ketubah with three languages

Here in the U.S., every ketubah I create includes Hebrew and the English translation. After creating many ketubot since 2009, I had not been invited to include a third language. But several years ago I discovered that at the beginning of their engagement, the couples’ planning begins. Together they create an entire vision of how their day will unfold. I never know what a couple desires until I listen—really listen—to their creative ideas.

Up until now, the variables had been images and texts in Hebrew and English. When Robyn and Samad contacted me for their interfaith wedding ceremony, they were very interested in the possibility of creating their ketubah in three languages. Robyn is Jewish and Samad is Muslim. After a brief consult with my translator, we launched a completely unique design to frame the Hebrew, English, and Urdu texts. My wife, Linda, applied gold leaf to the names and to the frame around the foliage. Robyn wanted to incorporate their wedding colors of deep purple leaves and eucalyptus.

This ketubah marked a turning point for me as an artist, opening the door to multiple languages beyond the standard pair. If a couple is bilingual in a language other than English, why limit their ketubah to English and Hebrew? Your ketubah, as far as this rabbi is concerned, is a personal and creative document that should truly reflect the beliefs and vows that join you as one.