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This Ketuba, Jewish Marriage Contract, was created for Jacke Feldman and Simeon Smilack for their wedding in July of 2008 in Denver Colorado. It was commissioned by Steve Smilack, Simeon's father.
A full 360 word traditional Aramaic text has been engraved into the Hebrew letter cHet, which serves as a symbol for the marriage canopy (cHupa), as well as the expression of a new octave in the life of the couple.
The Tree of Embrace rises above the cHet, symbolic of the individual life and growth each needs to develop both outside and inside the context of marriage.
According to the desires of the couple, an English text was hand engraved into the back of the Ketuba and is visible through an opening in the mahogany frame.
My approach to the intense focus and challenges of this Ketuba was to treat it like an amulet filled with power and blessing. To my knowledge, it is the first Ketuba to be etched into copper, in lo these many thousands of years. It is a great joy to have been part of this process. Many blessings to the bride and groom!
Acid etched copper; oxides; engraving. Framed in mahogany.
34" x 18.5"