General
Texts
- What Hebrew text should we use?
- Do you provide proofs of the text for our rabbi to look over?
- Are your texts copyrighted?
- Can we use texts from another website?
- Can we use texts that are published in a book?
- Can we write our own English text? Can you translate it into Hebrew?
- Can we make minor changes to the English and Hebrew texts?
- What names do we need to provide for the ketubah texts?
- What do we do if one of us (or one of our parents) does not have a Hebrew name?
- What if we don’t know the spelling of a Hebrew name?
- What is “Bride’s Status” and how do we choose?
- What is the regel on the koof and how do we choose whether or not to omit it?
Ordering Limited Edition Prints
- What is the quality and value of a limited edition print?
- What is the difference between a “limited edition print” and a “handmade ketubah”?
- Can I personalize and customize my ketubah?
- How do I order a ketubah?
- Can we see a sample of your work?
- What pen do we use to sign? What do we need to know, to care for our ketubah?
Charges and Fees
- What is the cost of shipping my ketubah?
- Is there a charge for Last-Minute Changes?
- What is your cancellation/refund policy?
- What if my ketubah is lost or damaged?
- What if I am not satisfied with my ketubah?
A ketubah is a written contract between partners to a Jewish marriage. Traditionally, the ketubah has been beautifully illustrated with artwork that reflects the time and place of the particular marriage. A traditional Jewish marriage cannot be finalized without a ketubah. For more detailed information, see What is a Ketubah? and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketubah.
What Hebrew text should we use?
The first step is to read through my texts and the explanations I have provided. The second step is to talk to your rabbi or officiant. Even if he/she is Reform, you may not have complete flexibility with your choice. However, if you have found a text you love, you may be able to convince him/her to use it. This is especially true with some of the radical reinterpretations of the traditional texts (such as Egalitarian Aramaic, Conservative Alternative) which were written by rabbis and scholars as alternatives for the traditional Jewish wedding. Remember that you can mix and match English and Hebrew texts.
Do you provide proofs of the text for our rabbi to look over?
Yes, I prefer that your rabbi look over your text. There are a few slight variations in the texts that some Rabbis want to change; plus it is always good to have the dates and spellings of names verified before going to print. I can email the text to your rabbi directly, or you can forward it to him/her yourself. I do not charge extra for this service. However, proofing does add time to the process of creating a ketubah, so please plan in advance.
I have been given some wonderful, unique texts which can be viewed in my ketubah text section. Please feel free to use these with other artists or companies– the authors created them to be disseminated and utilized. The one caveat is that they should not be published in an article or book without the authors’ permissions.
Can we use texts from another website?
You should contact the other website for permission. Sometimes they charge a small fee for this right. I am happy to use any Hebrew and English texts on your ketubah, but I do charge a fee to use texts that are not on my website to cover the extra labor.
Can we use texts that are published in a book?
My understanding is that these texts are available to everyone. However, if the printing is difficult to read, we may need help deciphering it.
Can we write our own English text? Can you translate it into Hebrew?
Yes! I love for couples to write their own English texts. This makes the ketubah even more meaningful for you. There is a $135 fee for custom Hebrew and English texts together. And, I have a translator if you want your text translated into Hebrew. The cost for that is $1.25/word.
Can we make minor changes to the English and Hebrew texts?
Minor changes to the texts are no problem and my courtesy. Please make the changes and e-mail me the complete text. For Hebrew changes, we may ask your rabbi or officiant to help us.
What names do we need to provide for the ketubah texts?
I need your Hebrew and English names and the same for all of your parents. Most people use their formal English names including middle names. Generally I do not include grandparents’ names in Hebrew. A modern tradition is to add your last names in Hebrew. If you have more than two parents in your life, feel free to list them all. Please make a note if any parents are deceased. All of this should be sent to me on your personalization form.
What do we do if one of us (or one of our parents) does not have a Hebrew name?
Just write the English name(s) and I will transliterate them into Hebrew letters.
What if we don’t know the spelling of a Hebrew name?
Do your best to write it phonetically in English and I will look it up in my dictionary of Hebrew and English first names. If I don’t find the name, I will approximate a spelling and strongly suggest you show your rabbi.
What is “Bride’s Status” and how do we choose?
This question only applies to texts found in traditional texts plus the Conservative Egalitarian text. For a naturally born Jewish woman on her first marriage, the standard “status” is betulta. This “status” affects the amount of zuzim given to her in the traditional Ketubah text. Converts, divorcees, and widows receive half the number of zuzim. Betulta literally means “virgin” and holds some old-fashioned connotations. Other choices include using “no designation” or using “itita” or “kallah”. Please speak with your rabbi on this question if you are interested.
What is the regel on the koof and how do we choose?
This question only applies to texts found in traditional and traditional egalitarian texts. The regel on the koof is the vertical line in the Hebrew letter koof at the beginning of the word “kninah” in Aramaic or “kinyan” in Hebrew. This word refers to a ritual in a traditional Jewish wedding during which the groom takes on the responsibility for the Ketubah (and hence the marriage and the bride). In egalitarian Jewish weddings and Ketubah texts, a mutual kinyan– in which bride and groom both take on this responsibility– is performed and described. The kinyan makes the marriage legal in halacha (Jewish law). The witnesses to the Ketubah text watch the ritual of kinyan before they sign the text. The rabbi writes in the regel on the koof after the kinyan but before the witnesses sign, thus completing the Ketubah text only after it has been taken on through the kinyan. This process makes the Ketubah or the “writing” take place during the process of marrying bride and groom. Please speak to your rabbi about his/her preferences because ultimately you want the koof to be completed, and if he/she does not include this ritual in weddings, we will leave the regel ON the koof.
What is the quality and value of a limited edition print?
My prints look and feel like the original artwork. They are gyclee prints, printed with archival inks on archival 100% acid-free epson paper or canvas. The paper feels almost exactly like cold pressed watercolor paper. The canvas will be sprayed with several layers of UV protection. Each print is signed and numbered by the artist and limited to only 350 in each edition. Your names and wedding information will be flawlessly integrated into the text (unlike pre-printed texts with blanks to be filled in).
What is the difference between a “limited edition print” and a “handmade ketubah”?
A “hand-made ketubah” is a completely unique, one-of-a-kind ketubah, designed by you and I together. See examples of past works in “Handmade Ketubahs”.
A “limited edition print” is a customized version of one of the designs in my “View Ketubahs” galleries.
Can I personalize and customize my ketubah?
YES!
Each ketubah print is uniquely made to order. Any text(s) can be combined with any image. Your names and wedding information will be flawlessly integrated into the texts. You can choose the size, paper vs. canvas, and the fonts for your texts. You can add a quote with a few choices of technique. You can add or delete a border. You can order a digital proof and participate in the size and placement of your texts on the design.
It’s Easy! Go to the Buying Guide and follow the easy steps, in any order.
Can we see a sample of your work?
Yes. You can order an 8″ x 10″ sample of any limited edition design on this site. [click here] for more details.
What pen do we use to sign? What do we need to know, to care for our ketubah?
- Signing Pen – When signing your ketubah, DO NOT use a “Sharpie” or fine tipped pen (they can scratch the paper). Use a Sanford uni-ball GEL Impact or similar gel pen (1.0 mm or .7 mm width). (Available at most office supply stores and pharmacies.) On dark ketubahs, a gold or silver gel pen adds a distinctive touch. Also, since your witnesses only get one chance to sign, have them practice their Hebrew names on a separate piece of paper before committing to the ketubah.
- Care Instructions for your Ketubah on Paper – Our ketubahs are printed on 100% acid-free archival watercolor paper, using pigmented archival inks. If properly taken care of, your ketubah will last a lifetime.
- Sunlight – Sunlight is the enemy of ink and paper. Please frame your ketubah behind UV glass and keep out of direct sunlight.
- Water – Water can leave stains or make the ink run, as can excessive humidity (or sweaty, nervous hands!)
- Care Instructions for your Ketubah on Canvas – Our canvas ketubahs are created on 100% acid-free archival canvas, using pigmented archival inks. If properly taken care of, your ketubah will last a lifetime.
- Sunlight – Sunlight is the enemy of ink and paper. Our canvas ketubahs are treated with 3-4 layers of UV protected coating. You are not required to frame your ketubah behind UV glass – however it is advisable to keep your ketubah out of direct sunlight.
- Water – Our UV coating protects against humidity (or sweaty, nervous hands!)
- Signing – Please note: It takes up to one minute for the ink to become permanently bonded with the canvas. During that time, it may be smudged. Please allow time between witnesses for the ink to dry. When signing your ketubah, DO NOT use a “Sharpie” or fine tipped pen (they can scratch the paper). Use a Sanford uni-ball GEL Impact or similar gel pen (1.0 mm or .7 mm width). (Available at most office supply stores and pharmacies.) On dark ketubahs, a gold or silver gel pen adds a distinctive touch. Also, since your witnesses only get one chance to sign, have them practice their Hebrew names on a separate piece of paper before committing to the ketubah.
- Framing – Your canvas ketubah may be stretched onto wooden frames or framed without glass.
What is the cost of shipping my ketubah?
For limited edition ketubahs and other artworks:
- UPS Ground – $18 for a tube or for small artworks
- UPS Ground – $53 for flat shipping of your ketubah in a plastic mylar sleeve with cardboard backing
- UPS 2nd Air – $15.00 extra
- UPS Next Day – $50.00 extra
- UPS International Air – $70 extra
- For Hand-Made Ketubahs, the cost of shipping is included in the price of your ketubah (approximately a $50.00 value.)
Is there a charge for Last-Minute Changes?
Sometimes last-minute changes are inevitable: Your new rabbi wants a different text, you decide on a different print design, or you realize that you’ve misquoted your mother-in-law’s Hebrew name! I try to work with you to make sure that you get exactly the ketubah that you want. If I have already printed, I will re-print for $32. If I have to re-ship, please add shipping.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
While I hope that you never have to cancel an order, I understand that unforeseen events do occasionally arise. I have worked to create a fair cancellation policy that takes into account the expenses I incur along the way (such as bank processing fees, labor and printing costs.)
| Stage | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| $10 | |
| AFTER Text is Personalized | $35 |
| AFTER Ketubah is created but not printed | $75 |
| AFTER Ketubah is printed | $110 |
What if my ketubah is lost or damaged?
We ship all our ketubahs by UPS, insured for their full replacement value.
If your LIMITED EDITION PRINT is lost or damaged subsequent to us mailing it to you, we will replace it for a $50.00 fee (shipping and handling included. We will ship your replacement in a tube). Since we keep all your information on file, you will not have to fill in a new personalization form.
For Hand-Made Ketubahs, Nishima may elect to try and repair a damaged ketubah if she determines that such a course of action is possible. Additional fees may be incurred, depending on the type of damage. In the case of a Hand-Made Ketubah becoming lost, subsequent to us mailing it to you, we will not be able to replace it, since it is a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.
What if I am not satisfied with my ketubah?
This has never happened!! However, we will refund part of your payment, after covering our costs. $110 covers the printing and personalization, plus shipping costs. For Hand-Made Ketubahs, in the event that you are dissatisfied with your ketubah, Nishima may elect to rework your existing ketubah at no additional fee (provided the changes that you are requesting are possible, given the materials and design). We will probably ask you to pay for all shipping and insurance charges.
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