A New Concept in Ketubah Art
For over two thousand years, the covenant between a Jewish man and wife has been
confirmed in a Ketubah. In this legal document, witnesses attest to the exchange
of the sacred vows and promises of the couple.
According to Jewish tradition, when a vessel or an object is necessary for the
fulfillment of a commandment, we honor the commandment by using only the best
and the most beautiful objects. Because the Ketubah is one of the objects
through which a Jewish couple is joined in marriage, it is elevated from a plain
document to an artistic creation.
As a legal instrument, there are strict laws governing the words of a Ketubah.
But as an item of artistry, the Ketubah artist is free to fashion imaginative
and wondrous designs and embellishments.
Today, the Ketubah flourishes as a beautiful contemporary expression of Jewish
art. With illuminations and ornamentation, the document which sanctifies the
vows of marriage also serves as a source of beauty and a visible symbol of a
Jewish home
Artist Gad
Almaliah's vision
To take the ancient document of commitment by husband and wife, and combine its
text with a special contemporary look -- has resulted in a new style of Ketubot,
unavailable anywhere else, and unlike any other artwork.
Gad Almaliah was born and raised in Jerusalem. He graduated from the Bezalel
Academy of Art in Jerusalem and studied at the school of Visual Arts in New York
City. The Mexican Government sponsored him to work with Mexican Artists at the
University of Mexico. Gad served as president of the Graphic Designer's
Association of Israel for 15 years. Gad has designed postal stamps for the
Israeli, United States and Mexican Postal Services. In addition, the Israeli
Government commissioned him to design coins and medals as well as the emblem for
the six day war. He has produced books on design and numerous posters.
Currently, Gad resides in Boston. He designs and produces Judaic sculpture and
ritual objects. He is on the faculty of the School of Visual Arts in New York
City where he teaches design.