This is a Ketubah from Alexandria, Egypt, dated back to August 9th, 1865. The ketubah (plural ketubot) is the standard marriage contract that Jewish law requires a groom to provide for his bride on their wedding day. It is intended to protect the woman, primarily by establishing the man’s financial obligations to her in case of divorce or widowhood. In addition to the financial clauses, the text of the ketubah outlines other obligations undertaken by the groom, including traditional conjugal rights such as food, clothing and shelter. The exact date when the ketubah became a central part of the Jewish marriage ceremony remains unknown. To learn and see more Ketubot, check out the Beinecke digital library! Link in bio! Call Number: Hebrew MSS Suppl 36 (Oversize)