Seasons of Joy
$240.00
Size: 19″ x 29″ vertical
Seasons of Joy by Robert Saslow Blessed are You, Adonai, our eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for allowing us to reach this season.
Aramaic Only: This is the traditional ketubah text composed in Aramaic (not Hebrew) over 2000 years ago. It spells out the groom’s contractual obligations to support his bride. Read a translation of the Aramaic text following this section. Aramaic with Modern English: This text pairs the traditional Aramaic text with a modern, less-contractual English text written by the artist. Conservative with Modern English: The Conservative movement of Judaism modified the traditional Aramaic text with an additional paragraph known as the Lieberman Clause. This is the 1990 version approved by the Rabbinical Assembly. It is paired with a modern, less-contractual English text written by the artist. Egalitarian (Modern Hebrew and English): This is a modern egalitarian text written by the artist. The Hebrew is a direct translation of the English. This text is also appropriate for same-gender couples. Alternative Egalitarian (Interfaith): This modern egalitarian text is appropriate for interfaith couples. The introductory paragraph in Hebrew is a direct translation of the first paragraph of the English text. This text is also appropriate for same-gender couples. Non-Denominational: This modern egalitarian, faith-neutral text is appropriate for interfaith couples. It is also appropriate for same-gender couples. Blank: This ketubah is printed blank for couples wishing to compose their own text. Contact us for more information.
- About the Artist:
- About the Ketubah Design:
- Personalization Information:
ROBERT SASLOW is a Los Angeles-based calligrapher and designer who comes from a family of artists. He earned a degree in 2-dimensional art from California State University, Northridge (1986). He has extensive experience teaching art, including over 20 years at Los Angeles religious schools, and nine summers on the art staff at UAHC Camp Swig in Saratoga, California. He is an active member in the Society for Calligraphy, and his work has been published in the Letter Arts Review, a leading calligraphic journal.
The wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe were architectural wonders. Their exteriors were expertly crafted, with beautifully carved cornices, balconies, window sashes, gables, and tall sloping roofs. Inside, many had walls graced with elaborate and colorful illumination depicting local flora and fauna, zodiacal images, geometric and abstract designs, and more. Most importantly, they were monuments of pride and joy, centers of the community. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, scores of these synagogues dotted the Eastern European countryside. Tragically, any left standing in the 20th century were destroyed during World War II.
This ketubah seeks to honor these monuments. The lower portion of the ketubah is reminiscent of the illumination one might have found gracing the interior ceilings and walls of the synagogues. Depicted is the annual cycle of Jewish festivals: (from upper left) Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Shabbat, Tu Bâ-Shevat, Purim, Pesach, The Omer, and Shavuot. The two trees growing together represent Trees of Life, the wedding chuppah, and the intertwining of two lives. The upper portion shows the decorative wood exterior typical of these synagogues, and serves as a symbol of the family home. The circular window shows the new (empty) moon, marking each Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of every month of the Jewish calendar. The prayer in gold at the top is the Shehechiyanu: Blessed are You, Adonai, our eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for allowing us to reach this season.
Complete the following order form as best you can. Be sure to enter your names exactly as you would like them to appear on the ketubah.
Unless alternate spellings are provided, the calligrapher will use COMMON SPELLINGS of Hebrew and Yiddish names and place names. If necessary, consult your rabbi/officiant or other family documents.
Unless otherwise requested, blanks on traditional (Orthodox and Conservative) ketubot will be filled in with STANDARD DESIGNATIONS based on the bride’s status. If necessary, consult your rabbi/officiant.
You may be contacted for clarification of questionable information. Be sure to provide up-to-date contact information.
The personalization is hand-calligraphed with rich, black, fadeless Japanese sumi ink by the artist.
