Ketubah texts
Egalitarian Ketubah Text
Fully mutual promises in which both partners commit as equals.
Who this is for
Any couple who wants both partners to make identical promises as equals, including same-sex couples. Egalitarian texts are used across Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and independent ceremonies.
The structure of the text
The egalitarian ketubah replaces the one-directional classical formula with reciprocal vows: each partner promises the same things to the other. It is often bilingual, with carefully balanced Hebrew, and it can be adapted for two partners of any gender.
A sample in English
On the ____ day of ____, in ____, we, ____ and ____, entered into this covenant as equal partners in life.
Each of us promises the other: to love and honor you, to be your faithful partner and friend, to build with you a home of respect and kindness, and to stand beside you through every joy and every sorrow.
We make these promises as equals, with joy, before our community.
Sample texts are for education. Always confirm the final text with your officiating rabbi.
Key phrases
- Reciprocal vowsEach partner promises the other the same things.
- Egalitarian HebrewBalanced Hebrew wording so neither partner is subordinate.
- ShutafutPartnership; some egalitarian texts draw on the Jewish law of partnership.
What varies by community
Egalitarian texts range from lightly adapted traditional wording to fully original vows. Same-sex couples adjust names, pronouns and Hebrew forms; your officiant will confirm the phrasing.