The ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract, is one of the most fascinating and beautiful expressions of Jewish life and art. Far more than a legal document, it opens a vivid window onto centuries of Jewish history, telling the stories of couples, families, and communities across the world. Often adorned with colorful decorations and rich symbolism, ketubot celebrate love, family, and faith while reflecting the artistic styles of their time and place. From the elegant masterpieces of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Italy to the vibrant designs of Iran, North Africa, and India, each ketubah reveals a unique blend of devotion and creativity. This lecture series will follow the ketubah’s journey from its biblical and Talmudic origins—created to protect women's rights—to its flourishing as a cherished work of art and a mirror of Jewish identity through the ages.
Sponsor: Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program