| Erev Shel Shoshanim Ketubah |
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| Five layers of hand painted papercutting embellish this "Anniversary Ketubah." The illustration tells the couple's story, including allusions to their first meeting, the song, Erev Shel Shoshanim, or, "An Evening of Roses," that accompanied their wedding procession, and a depiction of the ocean, a favorite family vacation spot. Included is the phrase from the Song of Songs, "Many waters cannot conquer this love, nor can the rivers drown it." |
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| Song of Songs Ketubah |
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| Ketubah with entirely quilled ornament representing every plant, herb and flower mentioned in the Song of Songs. Papercut phrases that encircle the quilling are expressions of love from the ancient text of Solomon: "I belong to my beloved and my beloved belongs to me." "Like the lily among the thorns, so is my love among the daughters." "Like the apple among the trees of the forest, so is my love among the sons." "Eat, O dear ones, and drink; Drink deep O loving companions." "Arise, and away, my friend,O beautiful one; and go forth." |
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| Garden of Eden Ketubah |
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| Hand painted Ketubah with lush vegetation, babbling brook and center "Chuppah" scene. Papercut text is the sixth blessing from the wedding ceremony: "Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creature in the Garden of Eden of aforetime. Blessed are You, O Lord, Who gladdens the groom and bride." |
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| Shalom Al Yisrael Ketubah |
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| This Ketubah, comprised of five layers of painted and cut paper, centers on the theme "Peace upon Israel." Anchoring the composition are depictions of the seven sacred species brought to the ancient temple. The motif of "two trees" represents the intertwining of two families, while selected texts allude to the equal partnership of the bride and groom in upholding the sanctity of marriage: "Righteousness and Truth have met one another; Kindness and Peace have kissed one another." "I am to my beloved and my beloved belongs to me; I have found that one whom my soul loves." "May God bless you from Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem. And may you see your children's children, and peace upon Israel." |
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| Creation Ketubah |
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| The traditional Ketubah text is surrounded by scenes of the creation of the world and phrases that concern the sanctity of the Shabbat. Included are phrases from the liturgy: "I will betroth you to me forever, and I will betroth you to me with righteousness, justice, kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to me with fidelity, and you will know G-d" and "Enlighten our eyes in Your torah, attach our hearts to your commandments and unify our hearts to love and fear your name." |
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| Chagim Ketubah |
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| This intricate papercut is evocative of antique manuscripts with its tracery and traditional style. The overall theme of the piece reflects the couple's devotion to serving the spiritual needs of the community as represented by the inclusion of the holiday cycle, its images and symbols. Also featured is a musical rendition of Eishet Chayil, Woman of Valor, the groom composed for the bride in honor of their wedding. The text that frames the actual contract is comprised of the four "letter sentences" that refer to the Hebrew names of the bride and groom, which they each recite at the conclusion of daily prayers. |
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| Water Arubah |
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| The artwork of this Arubah (wedding document) describes a journey to enhanced spirituality though the action of passage though water, with depicitons of the children of Israel passing through the Yam Suf and the elements of the Mitzvah of Mikvah, or ritual immersion. The text is taken from the Song of Songs, "Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it," "A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters and streams from Levanon," "How fair and how pleasant art thou, O Love, for delights," and "I have found the one in whom my soul desires." The two large pomegranate trees which shade the text represent the joining of two families in a fruitful, sweet union. Also included from the Song of Songs is, "Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine has flowered, if the grape blossoms have opened, if the pomegranates are in flower: there I will give thee my loves." |
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| Roses/Shakespeare Ketubah |
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| This colorful papercut and watercolor ketubah depicts the places which have greatest meaning to the couple - Jerusalem and the desert of Arizona. Images of the cup from their wedding ceremony and the text of one of Shakespeare's sonnets make this piece uniquely theirs. Also included is the Hebrew phrase that was written on their wedding invitation, "For our hearts are one heart, from today unto forever." |
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| Dancers Ketubah |
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| Vibrant Israeli dancers encircle the text of this papercut ketubah. The eight circles contain images of the seven sacred species of Israel and a picture of Jerusalem. Symbols important to the couple are flanked by the words, "rejoicing, jubilation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship," from the sixth wedding blessing. Other phrases, such as those from the Sabbath liturgy, "Enter in peace, O crown of her husband, even in gladness and good cheer, among the faithful of the treasures nation, Enter, O bride! Enter O bride!" and from the Song of Songs, "I belong to my beloved and my beloved belongs to me," complete the composition. |
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| Gate to Ein Gedi Ketubah |
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This intricately painted, papercut and quilled ketubah features three dimensional gates that open to a view of a cascading waterfall and starlit night sky. The texts chosen by the couple include, "A woman of valor: Give her the fruits of her hand and let her be praised in the gates by her very own deeds," from Proverbs, and "I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you to me with righteousness, justice, kindness and mercy," from the Tfillin prayer. The stars that illuminate the night sky are a star chart from the night of the couple's wedding. |
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| Renaissance Manuscript Ketubah |
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| With references to ancient music and illuminated manuscripts, this painted papercut with quilled embellishment truly reflects the interests and professions of the owners. An actual musical composition of a Renaissance wedding song is papercut into the border, and images of the couple's pets are hidden in the composition. Text in both Hebrew and English complete this unique artwork. |
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