Ketubah Abstract

Nathan Marcus Adler

1885

Printed page of English text with several signatures throughout.

Nathan Marcus Adler is credited with this first English translation of the ketubah (bridal contract), which had been preserved in its traditional Aramaic version. In Adler's time, English-speaking Jews became more interested in accessing Jewish materials. Translating the ketubah paved the way for less observant Jews to engage with the text of the ketubah directly. Adler's version, with some variations, continues to be used in certain communities. 

Credits

Image provided by The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary, KET 83 (back).

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 7.

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Creator Bio

Nathan Marcus Adler

1803–1890

Born in Hanover (then under British appanage), Nathan Marcus Adler was the son of Marcus Baer Adler, the city’s chief rabbi, who ensured Nathan received a traditional Jewish as well as a modern liberal education. In 1828, Adler completed a doctorate in Erlangen and received rabbinic ordination. After serving as chief rabbi in Oldenburg and later Hanover, he was appointed chief rabbi of London in 1845, with a position at the Great Synagogue. Adler’s main objectives in this role were to improve the status of Jewish education, prevent the spread of liberal Judaism, and unite all Ashkenazic congregations under a single administration, the United Synagogue. In 1855, he established Jews’ College, a seminary and teacher’s college, with the support of Sir Moses Montefiore. Adler composed many of the Hebrew and English prayers used in British services, responsa for Anglo Jewry, commentaries on the Talmud and apocryphal literature such as the Targum of Jonathan, and numerous sermons.

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