Ketubahs - A Jewish Marriage Contract

As many of you know an added element to a Jewish wedding is that both parties sign a marriage contract called a Ketubah. What you may not know is what on earth does all those funny looking words in another language mean. Ketubahs are actually written in Aramaic so many brides and grooms have no idea what they are signing either.

Below is a very rough translation of what this document says. When I was in school the ketubah class actually taught about 2 goats also being part of the divorce settlement. I didn't see that in the text that was translated. Which is a shame because I have always loved the idea of my husband being forced to give me a goat.

The blank lines are usually filled by hand by the Rabbi and the groom during the wedding, including the names of the couple, the date and location of the wedding, and the signatures of the witnesses. It's important to note that a non-virgin would be promised half the amount mentioned. Someone from a distinguished (such as the daughter of a king, a priest, or the tribe of Levi) family would be offered more.

Translation of the Orthodox Ketubah text

On the ______day of the week, the _________day of the month ______ in the year five thousand seven hundred and ______ since the creation of the world, the era according to which we reckon here in the city of _________________ that ________ son of _________ said to this (virgin) _________daughter of _____.

"Be my wife according to the practice of Moses and Israel, and I will cherish, honor, support and maintain you in accordance with the custom of Jewish husbands who cherish, honor, support and maintain their wives faithfully. And I here present you with the marriage gift of (virgins), (two hundred) silver zuzim, which belongs to you, according the the law of Moses and Israel; and I will also give you your food, clothing and necessities, and live with you as husband and wife according to universal custom." And Miss_____, this (virgin) consented and became his wife. The trousseau that she brought to him from her (father's) house in silver, gold, valuables, clothing, furniture and bedclothes, all this ________, the said bridegroom accepted in the sum of (one hundred ) silver pieces, and ______ the bridegroom, consented to increase this amount from his own property with the sum of (one hundred) silver pieces, making in all (two hundred) silver pieces. And thus said __________, the bridegroom: "The responsibility of this marriage contract, of this trousseau, and of this additional sum, I take upon myself and my heirs after me, so that they shall be paid from the best part of my property and possession that I have beneath the whole heaven, that which I now possess or may hereafter acquire. All my property, real and personal, even the shirt from my back, shall be mortgaged to secure the payment of this marriage contract, of the trousseau, and of the addition made to it, during my lifetime and after my death, from the present day and forever." _______, the bridegroom, has taken upon himself the responsibility of this marriage contract, of the trousseau and the addition made to it, according to the restrictive usages of all marriage contracts and the additions to them made for the daughters of Israel, according to the institution of our sages of blessed memory. It is not to be regarded as a mere forfeiture without consideration or as a mere formula of a document. We have followed the legal formality of symbolic delivery (kinyan) between ______the son of _______, the bridegroom and _______ the daughter of _______ this (virgin), and we have used a garment legally fit for the purpose, to strengthen all that is stated above, and everything is valid and confirmed.

Attested to________________________ Witness
Attested to________________________ Witness

Conservatives and Reforms often choose to include something called the Lieberman Clause. (in Jewish law a divorce can only be granted if the husband agrees; so this is a VERY important clause that gets around that problem.

The Conservative and reform Text uses the same text as the Orthodox (as shown above), but adds at the end a paragraph. This additional clause translates as:

And both together agreed that if this marriage shall ever be dissolved under civil law, then either husband or wife may invoke the authority of the Beth Din of the Rabbinical Assembly and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America or its duly authorized representatives, to decide what action by either spouse is then appropriate under Jewish matrimonial law; and if either spouse shall fail to honor the demand of the other or to carry out the decision of the Beth Din or its representative, then the other spouse may invoke any and all remedies available in civil law and equity to enforce compliance with the Beth Din's decision and this solemn obligation.

Angus Glen Bridal Show

I just thought I would share a couple of pictures of the Mindless Sophistication table at this weekends bridal show that was held at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario. The venue was great. I met lot's of amazing brides and vendors. I wish I had time to take photo's during the show but; that shows you what a great event it was.

The booth was designed by the talented Carol Rame. She absolutely captured the essence of what Mindless Sophistication stands for. The materials used were all top quality. The design was elegant. She was able to blend my functional items; such as computer and banners with a design that was mindlessly sophisticated.

We accepted raffle entries for a draw to take place later this week. The prize is a beautiful Michael Kors handbag that is filled with:

- Godiva dark chocolate pearls
- A Complimentary Day of Coordination from Mindless Sophistication
- A gift certificate for a complimentary massage & personal training sessionc at the exclusive Shape Health & Wellness in Toronto
-Mikasa wine bottle stopper
- Swaravski crystal heart pendant necklace

Oh Sweet Swag Bag

Tomorrow night marks the opening of the 2010 Angus Glen Bridal Show. Mindless Sophistication will be there with bells on. http://www.angusglen.com/

As many of you know raffles are a common thing found at bridal shows and Mindless Sophistication is no different. We will be offering a swag bag of goodies valued at $1800. This swag bag almost didn't happen because my intention all along was to donate a Stuart Weitzman handbag in Mindless Sophistication blue that came from my very own collection. Don't worry; I have never used this bag and don't anticipate ever using it. It's a hard colour to match up. Why was this a problem do you ask? Well you see gentle reader; I'm a designer handbag-a-holic.

I admit it. I have a handbag problem. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE designer handbags. When my boyfriend does something wrong I rank it in handbags; "Oh, honey this is a Chanel level offense" or "Oh no, you've really done it this time buster. Not even a Hermes Birkin can get you out of this mess." You get the point.

Anyway, my handbag disease got the best of me. Although I will never wear this bag I just couldn't go through with giving it away. I almost ditched the swag bag idea. I tried to be strong; but I just couldn't do it.

I started to think about what designer handbag could I use for this swag that I wouldn't want to keep. It had to be something from a design house I would NEVER want to own. Something cheap enough that I would NEVER want to be have one. I won't mention the design house I came up with because many, MANY people love their products. I do not wish to offend those people. Well the brand I came up with wasn't an option either. Why on earth would I give away a bag that I myself wouldn't own. Well the answer is that I wouldn't. So you won't be seeing that brand this weekend at our booth.

Thankfully tonight the problem was solved. My good friends at Michael Kors have supplied me with a beautiful gold handbag to give away to some very lucky bride. There are rules attached to this give-a-way. Firstly, I'm not allowed to look at this bag more then I absolutely have to. At the moment it's safely hidden in it's dust-cover. No matter how tempted I get to keep this spectacular bag; it MUST be given to the winner of the Mindless Sophistication Swag Bag Raffle being held at Angus Glen Golf Club this weekend.

It's going to be hard; but I can do it. I envy the winner of this bag. It's so lovely. The winner of this raffle will not only receive my envy and a gorgous Michael Kors hand bag; but they will also recieve:

1 Tin of Godiva dark chocolate pearls
1 One free day of coordination compliments of Mindless Sophistication
1 Mikasa wine bottle stopper
1 Swaravski crystal heart pendant necklace
1 Free massage compliments of Shape Health and Wellness
1 Free personal training session compliments of Shape Health and Wellness again.

Combine those items with the Michael Kors handbag and that's some great swag. I invite everyone to come to the Angus Glen Bridal Show this February 19th and 20th in Markham, Ontario. Please stop by the Mindless Sophistication booth. We're booth #38. As an added bonus we will be printing out personal contact information labels for anyone wishing not to strain their hands as they enter all the fabulous raffles.

http://www.mindlessSophistication.com

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum 12th Annual Classic City Bridal Show

This morning while surfing the web I came across a media release for a bridal show being held in Auburn, Indiana today. What makes this bridal show stand out to a wedding planner in Canada is that it's being held at the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Museum. Growing up I literally spent every Labor Day Weekend at that museum so it really holds a special place in my heart. I'm very lucky I didn't come across this press release sooner or I'd be in my car headed to Indiana. I can't make it this year; but if you happen to be in the area please stop by. Admission is only $5. It really would be a lovely place to host a wedding. The stair case that sweeps down into the grand hall would make the perfect entrance for any bridal party. I've included the media release below.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum 12th Annual Classic City Bridal Show

AUBURN CORD DUESENBERG AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

NEWS RELEASE - 01/12/10

For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Kendra Klink, Operations Director

January - 2010
260-925-1444 / kendrak@automobilemuseum.org

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum hosts 12th Annual Classic City
Bridal Show January 31, 2010

(AUBURN) - The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum's Classic City
Bridal Show is almost here. The bridal show attracts couples from the
tri-state area who are planning their dream weddings.

The Twelfth Annual Classic City Bridal Show will showcase products and
services ranging from lodging and travel, party planning and suppliers,
photographers, videographers, cake suppliers, caterers, entertainment hosts,
jewelers, clothiers, florists and decorating services, financial services
and other wedding-related products and services. The bridal show will be
held at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum on Sunday, January 31,
from noon until 5 p.m.

Admission to the show is $5 per person, which includes admission to the
museum's galleries. The annual bridal show will feature a professionally
produced runway fashion show at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. in the Main
Showroom. Jeannette from WAJI Majic 95.1 FM's "Majic in the Morning" show
from will emcee the fashion shows. The fashion shows will include dress and
tuxedo shops, and floral shops.

Those attending the Classic City Bridal Show may also check out the Auburn
Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum as a possible venue to host their upcoming
weddings, receptions or rehearsal dinners. The museum's banquet and
conference center accommodates events up to 500. The museum hosts many
affordable and memorable weddings and receptions each year. A museum staff
member will be on hand during the bridal show to answer questions, give
additional information, and check date availability for those interested.

WAJI Majic 95.1 FM is a sponsor for this year's Classic City Bridal Show.

Tickets for the Classic City Bridal Show may be purchased the day of the
show. Those planning to attend may also go online to
www.automobilemuseum.org to print out a
Classic City Bridal Show flyer that is good for four free admissions. Free
passes are available at participating vendors.

Museum Corporate Member Sponsors include: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival,
Inc.; Auburn Inn; Betz Senior Living Campus; Brown & Brown Insurance Agency,
Inc.; Campbell & Fetter Bank; Community State Bank; DeKalb Financial Credit
Union; Do it Best Corp.; Douglas Morrow O.D.; Eaton Corporation; Gary A.
Scheumann, D.D.S. P.C.; Gene Davenport Investments, LLC; Goeglein's
Catering; Hampton Industrial Services, Inc.; Icon International; Joyce
Hefty, State Farm Insurance; MacAllister Machinery Co. Inc.; Mefford, Weber
and Blythe, PC; National City Bank Fort Wayne; Obsidian Enterprises;
Petroleum Traders Corporation; Steel Dynamics, Inc.; Therma-Tru Corp.; The
Hicksville Bank; Valenti Classics; and Wells Fargo. We appreciate all that
our sponsors support.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum - where the world's finest cars
of yesterday live today! Over 120 classic, antique, vintage and special
interest cars are displayed with other automotive related exhibits on three
floors. The museum is located in the original 1930s national headquarters of
the legendary Auburn Automobile Company and is a National Historic Landmark.
Admission is charged, with group and family rates available. The museum is
open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. year round. In 2010, plan a visit and bring
your family to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, a place where
automotive history comes to life! automobilemuseum.org

Kendra Klink
Operations Director
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum

NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
Accredited by the American Association of Museums
1600 South Wayne Street
P.O. Box 271
Auburn, Indiana 46706
Office: (260) 925-1444 x 32
Fax: (260) 925-6266
kendrak@automobilemuseum.org
www.automobilemuseum.org

15 things to help your out-of-town wedding guests feel welcome

I truly believe that when you invite a guest to a wedding you should be treating them with the same hospitality that you would give them if you had invited them into your own home. With out-of-town guests this concept becomes even more important as you have not only invited them to your wedding; but they were kind enough to travel to a far off location to attend. I've compiled a list of 15 nice gestures that can be made to help your out-of-town guests enjoy their stay more.

1. Get a group rate at a nice hotel. This way they can all be together, mingle, and when you visit them they are all in one location.

2. Host a special out-of-town guests dinner to welcome them to your city/town.

3. Book a hospitality suite in the hotel the majority of guests are staying at. Fill it with snacks, drinks, magazines, newspapers, games for the kids, etc.

4. Hire a shuttle bus to take them to and from the wedding.

5. Offer them the opportunity to take a tour of the place they are visiting.

6. Create a welcome package that includes maps, information on local attractions, restaurant recommendations, and anything else you think they might find useful. Arrange with the hotel to have this package waiting for them in their room when they arrive.

7. Arrange for a gift basket or gift bag to be waiting in their hotel room.

8. Write them each a hand written card before they come to tell them how excited you are they will be traveling to attend your wedding.

9. If possible pay for all airline or hotel bills. Nobody expects this; but it is a very polite thing to do if you can afford it.

10. Purchase carbon credits in the guests name as a thank you for flying in to attend your wedding. This helps the environment and shows the guest how truly welcome they are. Have a card waiting for them in the hotel room saying "In honor of your joining us for our wedding we have off-set your travel by purchasing carbon credits in your name".

11. Host a little mix and mingle cocktail party in the hotel on the night your guests are arriving.

12. Get a hold of some discount coupon books for local attractions, shopping, and restaurants that your guests can use during their stay.

13. If you live in a city that is involved in the CityPass program then purchase them one. This will get them into various museums and attractions free. http://www.citypass.com/

14. Let the concierge at their hotel know the details of your wedding; such as where you are registered, the time-line, and where it is being held. This way if guests have questions the hotel staff is prepared with the answers.

15. if you live in the Greater Toronto Area area hire a Wedding Concierge® by Mindless Sophistication to oversea many of the above mentioned tasks and to field other requests your guests might have during their stay. A Concierge will personally be on call for your guests during their stay. Wedding Concierge® will be expanding to other cities so please be sure to ask if it's arrived in your city yet. http://www.mindlesssophistication.com/

Why use a Certified Destination Wedding Planner for my pre-packaged destination wedding?

One question I get a lot from couples looking to book a pre-packaged destination wedding is why should we book through a wedding planner instead of a travel agent? That is a very good question and I must admit if I wasn’t a wedding planner it’s a question I would also ask.

Here are 7 reasons why you should be using a certified destination wedding planner to book your pre-packaged wedding.

1.) We understand weddings. We can look at a resorts pre-packaged wedding and tell you if it’s a good fit for you. We understand weddings enough to properly work with the resort for any additions that might be needed.
2.) We often take trips to visit the locations just like your travel agent would. So we know the cities, countries, and hotels too.
3.) More importantly when we visit a location we are touring the wedding sites, reviewing the wedding décor offered, checking out the wedding menu’s. We'll even taste the cake if they allow us too. We’re focusing on the big day for our clients as well as the other services and accommodations. We're asking what extra's we can get thrown in for our couples and what are the legalities involved in getting married there. We know the questions to ask that a travel agent might not think of.
4.) We usually don’t have other travel customers. So we’re working exclusively on booking you the best wedding with your wedding day in mind.
5.) We have a special relationship with the resorts. They know us as wedding planners so they know the clients we send are there for a very special reason. This means they will sometimes include a little extra surprise for the couple.
6.) We've received special training in the destination wedding industry and should meet all the legal requirements to offer advice and sell wedding packages.
7.) And lastly, if a pre-packaged wedding isn’t a good fit for you. We know how to plan you a customized wedding. We’re wedding planners. We plan weddings. That is what we do.

Whether you choose a customized destination wedding or a pre-packaged destination wedding please consider using a Certified Destination Wedding specialist. You won’t be sorry.

Treat your wedding guests like royalty by hiring a Wedding Concierge®

Mindless Sophistication Wedding & Event Planning is pleased to announce our new premiere service Wedding Concierge®.

Wedding Concierge® is the first full service concierge service in Canada directed towards wedding parties. We created this service because we believe that when a wedding couple invites a guest to their wedding they wish them to be treated with the same hospitality they would receive if they had invited them to their home for a small dinner party.

Wedding Concierge® will mainly be used by couples to aid in making their out-of-town guests visit more comfortable; but concierges can also attend the wedding to assist all guests. A typical Wedding Concierge® could make hotel reservations, dinner reservations, book tours, arrange for transportation, supply information on major attractions around the city. We like to think of our concierges as wish-makers. As long as a request is legal our concierges will do their best to make it happen.

Wedding Concierge® can be booked either on a daily basis or as a complete package leading up to the wedding. Wedding Concierge® has been legally trademarked as a service with the federal government as a service to assure exclusivity for our clients. Other trademarks have been applied for and are pending internationally.

If you're interested in pampering your guests consider hiring one of our professionally trained concierges. This new service won't be limited to only the Toronto area. We're in the midst of hiring and training concierges in other select locations. Feel free to contact me to find out if Wedding Concierge® is available in your city yet.

For more information visit http://www.mindlesssophistication.com/