By Aviva Gat
If you’ve started to look at Ketubahs, you’ve probably noticed that they require signatures from two witnesses who are not the bride, groom, or the rabbi conducting the wedding. These signatures are for two witnesses who are responsible for ensuring that the Ketubah is legitimate and that the legal transaction outlined in the document occurred.
It is a great honor to select someone as your Ketubah witness, as their name will forever be imprinted on your marriage contract. You want to choose witnesses who love you, are looking out for your best interests, and comply with the Jewish requirements.
What is a Ketubah witness
A Ketubah requires signatures from two witnesses to be valid. These witnesses play an important role in the ketubah signing ceremony, as their signatures affirm that a marriage has occurred.
According to Jewish law, witnesses should be virtuous, observant, bar-mitzvahed men who are not related by blood or marriage to either the bride or groom.[1] Witnesses should be able to understand the Ketubah and the ceremonies outlined within.
Learn more about Orthodox Ketubahs here
In Reform or secular Judaism, women can also be chosen as Ketubah witnesses. Some rabbis may even allow people of other faiths to serve as witnesses.
Jewish weddings also require witnesses for the wedding ceremony. Ketubah witnesses may or may not be chosen also to serve as witnesses to the wedding itself.
The purpose of a Ketubah witness
In Jewish law, all contracts or legal documents require the signatures of two witnesses for validation.[2] Ketubah witnesses are charged with carefully watching the Ketubah being filled out and participating in the “kinyan” ceremony. Their purpose is to approve that everything is correct and legitimate and to certify the marriage. Generally, the rabbi will explain the Ketubah to the witnesses to get their approval before signing.
The witnesses’ role in the Ketubah ceremony
The Ketubah is signed before the wedding during a secluded ceremony that includes the witnesses, the rabbi, and the groom. Modern Ketubah signing ceremonies will also include the bride and close family. The role of the witnesses is to watch carefully as the rabbi fills out the information about the couple and to participate in the “kinyan.”
The “kinyan” is a ceremony in which the husband gains the exclusive right to be with his wife. It is often mistakenly believed that during the kinyan, the husband “acquires” his wife, however, this is not true according to the Netziv, R. Naftali Tzvi Yehudah Berlin (d. 1893). “[The kinyan] is an acquisition but not of the woman in totality, who remains independent, just in the rights to marital relations,” the Netziv explains.[3]
During the kinyan ceremony, the groom will hold a handkerchief or piece of a garment and symbolically “barter” for his exclusive rights and agree to undertake the obligations outlined in the Ketubah.[4] In Orthodox weddings when the bride is not present during the kinyan, a witness may act as the bride in the ceremony. Once the kinyan has occurred, the witnesses may sign the Ketubah.
Learn more about the Ketubah ceremony here
Options of who to choose as your Ketubah witness
Being a Ketubah witness is a great honor, as well as a great responsibility. It is your job to bestow this onto two people who you trust and care for. Ketubah witnesses cannot be related to the bride or groom, so you must choose people outside of your family.
It’s custom to choose close friends and role models for your Ketubah witnesses. You might choose a childhood friend who you know you can count on, someone you admire, or someone who is in a strong marriage that you would like to emulate. Whoever you choose will forever be a part of your marriage.
When you’re making your decision, it is important to consult with your rabbi to ensure witnesses comply with requirements.
Here are a few examples of people who might be good options for your Ketubah witnesses:
- Childhood friends
- Hebrew school classmates
- Mentors
- Family friends
- Pillars in your synagogue
What’s next?
It’s important to choose your witnesses in advance so you can prepare for your Ketubah ceremony. Read these articles to ensure you’re ready when the big day arrives.
[1] Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (1983). Made in Heaven. Moznaim Publishing Corporation.
[2] Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (1983). Made in Heaven. Moznaim Publishing Corporation.
[3] Student, G. (2015, January 27). Do Husbands Own Their Wives? Torah Musings.
[4] Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (1983). Made in Heaven. Moznaim Publishing Corporation.
By Aviva Gat
Aviva Gat is a journalist, author, and content writer specializing in various topics including religion, culture, health, & technology. She has a B.S. in Journalism and Religion from Boston University and an M.B.A. from Tel Aviv University.
