NARR 363-364

CCAR RESPONSA

New American Reform Responsa

229. Error in the Ketubah Text

QUESTION: A calligraphy specialist has prepared an illuminated ketubah; the text is modified traditional, but several words have been misspelled. This was discovered a number of years after the wedding. Should the ketubah be replaced? One of the original witnesses has died? (Karen Levin, San Francisco CA)ANSWER: In contrast to a get, the spelling in a ketubah is not critical, even for the Orthodox. The ceremony was witnessed appropriately and the document attests to the wedding. That is quite sufficient especially as the ketubah represents only one of three ways through which a marriage can be validated; this matter has been discussed in several of the other responsa.June 1988

If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.