Q&A: Question regarding witnesses who are invalid from the outset
Question regarding witnesses who are invalid from the outset
Question
Suppose, theoretically , that most halakhic decisors would permit bringing invalid witnesses to the wedding canopy of secular couples. In that case, it would require issuing a fictitious ketubah. Isn’t that deception of the innocent couple being “married”?
Answer
This question was already asked, and I answered yes. Why is there a need to ask it again and open another thread?
Deception has nothing to do with the ketubah. First of all, they could simply not write a ketubah. And even if they did write one, then the witnesses signed falsely. The deception is really in presenting the act as a valid betrothal. Besides, the husband’s obligation may exist even without the betrothal, since he signed it (unless the non-applicability of the betrothal is grounds to void it).