Columbus Museum of Art: Jewish Marriage Pacts Binding, Beautiful

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
By Christopher A. Yates

For more than two thousand years, the ketubbah, or Hebrew marriage contract, has been an integral part of Jewish culture.

OHIO---Thirty Jewish marriage contracts, ranging from 12th-century Egypt to present-day New York, are featured in “The Art of Matrimony” at the Columbus Museum of Art. Perhaps best understood as documents expressing the promises that grooms make to brides, the contracts (ketubah) protect women in cases of divorce or the death of a spouse. Names, dates and wedding locations are included along with obligations involving conjugal relations, food, shelter and clothing. [link]

Columbus Museum of Art: “The Art of Matrimony: Thirty Splendid Marriage Contracts from The Jewish Theological Seminary Library,” (Ends June 15); 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH; (614) 221-6801; ColumbusMuseum.org