Toscana
$180.00
Size: 19″ x 28″ vertical
Toscana by Robert Saslow The Great Synagogue in Florence
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 Great Synagogue in Florence, Italy was built just eleven years after Italian Reunification, when Jews were no longer required to live in ghettos. It was built in Via Farini, which, at the time was at the edge of a rapidly developing city. The architects, chosen through a competition, were Treves, Falcini, and Micheli. Completed in 1882 after eight years of construction, it was inspired by the Byzantine church, Hagia Sofia, in Istanbul (Constantinople), yet also shows Moorish and Art Nouveau influences both in the interior and exterior design.
The upper portion of this ketubah is based on the exterior of the synagogue, with its beautifully carved stone facade, octagonal turrets, and copper dome. The lower portion of the ketubah is based on a design motif found above the synagogue’s aron kodesh (holy ark). The color scheme is true to the original. The landscape at the top of the ketubah shows two Italian cypress trees, growing together on the soft, rolling hills so typical to the Tuscan countryside..
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.
