Marriage Contract. According to Karaite Custom

(KETHUBAH)

Kirkar

19th Adar II, 1832

Hebrew manuscript in Sephardic semi-cursive Hebrew script. Two sections of text within rectangular frames. An additional rectangular frame surrounds the two frames. Topped by an arch containing a large vase filled with colorful tempora roses and flowers. Additional large floral motifs fill the exterior frame. Textual border comprised of Biblical verses describing marriage inscribed in square script, in red ink

Similar to other such Karaite documents, this Kethubah is composed in Hebrew rather than the traditional Aramaic. It is comprised of two parts: “shetar nissu’in,” the marriage deed, and “shetar kethubah,” the Kethubah deed. The former consists of a declaration of the groom’s intent to marry the bride, the obligations of the marriage, the bride’s acceptance and their mutual commitment “to observe all the holidays and the new moon as stipulated at Mount Sinai.” The later, is concerned with the financial obligations of the groom and also includes a list of the bride’s dowry. As common to Karaite marriage contracts, the name of the ruler of the land where the wedding took place is specified - Emperor Nicolai the First. Accorging to Karaite usage, the deed is signed by many witnesses. For a similar example of a Karaite marriage contract see: S. Sabar, Mazal Tov: Illuminated Jewish Marriage Contracts from the Israel Museum Collection (Jerusalem 1993) pl. 53. For another Kethubah sold at auction (and dated ten years later than the present Kethubah) see Kestenbaum & Company, Sale XII, March 13th, 2001, Lot 290