18 Flowers Ketubah
by Patty Shaivitz Leve
Ketubah Description
This ketubah is richly illuminated with grapes, flowers, and flower buds, each of which is symbolic. Grapes figure prominently in Jewish tradition and represent fertility, eighteen flowers convey a blessing to the new couple for a long and full life together, and the buds represent new beginnings. The arch over the ketubah’s text portrays a gateway to the new life that the bride and groom begin together. Above the arch is a quote from Song of Songs, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,” which is the declaration of eternal faith and love between husband and wife. Surrounding the outside of the border, in micrography, are verses about love and commitment from Song of Songs, Hoshea, and the seven blessings recited at the wedding ceremony. The text of the ketubah is hand calligraphed, continuing in the tradition of illuminated manuscripts, and the paper is archival and acid free.
Ketubah Artist Bio
Patty Shaivitz Leve graduated from Cooper Union with a BFA in graphic design. It was there that her serious, lifelong study of calligraphy began. She has been making custom Ketubot for individuals since 1981 and her work is in private collections all over the United States and in Israel. She combines her love of Judaism and its rich heritage with her interest in calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts to create her unique style of Ketubot.