Q&A: Signing a Ketubah
Signing a Ketubah
Question
I officiate weddings for secular couples.
I prefer to make the ceremony as lean and light as possible (the reason is obvious, and that is usually what they ask for as well). But on the other hand, I want to adhere strictly to Jewish law.
When reading the ketubah before the signing, what do I need to read aloud? In other words: is it necessary to read the entire ketubah, or only certain parts?
I mean in front of the groom and the witnesses.
Answer
Do you mean reading it under the wedding canopy? There is no obligation to read it aloud. It is a custom whose purpose is to separate the betrothal from the marriage itself. You can read whatever portion you want, as long as it is clear to everyone that you are skipping parts so that no false impression will be created.
Discussion on Answer
What is there at the signing stage? You need to explain to the witnesses what they are signing. That is not part of the ceremony, and there is no need to shorten anything there.
And at the signing stage?