EXHIBIT+SPEAKER | Michael Shapiro, “Ketubah Renaissance”

“‘Ketubah Renaissance is a gorgeous testament to the creative, aesthetic, and spiritual health of Jewish life in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century” – Anita Diamont

Illuminating the contemporary revival and novel designs of the Jewish marriage contract, Michael Shapiro’s exhibit and book “Ketubah Renaissance: The Artful Revival of the Jewish Marriage Contract” is a brilliant and beautiful showcase of the most innovative, contemporary and artfully illustrated modern Jewish marriage documents.

Shapiro is the founder and CEO of ketubah.com, an enthusiastic and inspiring guide through the history of the ketubah. As scholar Shalom Sabar notes, the earliest illustrated marriage contract was produced in Austria in 1391. Sparked by the Spanish Expulsion, the custom of decorative text spread across Europe with Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews carrying on the practice even after they fell out of popular favor.

Because beautifying ketubot is in line with the Jewish concept of “hiddur mitzvah,” the principle that a joyous commandment requires a physical object for its performance. In the past few decades, advances in artistic technology have led to a resurgence in illustrated ketubahs, including renowned artists, leading to a contemporary revival of the artform.

From paper-cuts to wood-cuts to AI-generated images, “Ketubah Renaissance” weaves a tapestry of love between Jewish couples, tradition and the covenant with Jewish people and G-d.

Exhibit reception + book talk: May 13, 7 pm (ticketed)
Exhibit on display: April 1 – July 1 (drop-in)

In partnership with Jewish Book Council.
Book sales + signing.

Part of Chew on This! Speaker Series theme: Blueprint for Belonging.

View policies, terms + conditions on our  SJCC Box Office + Venue Policies  page.    

ABOUT:
Michael Shapiro, founder of Ketubah.com, was a “Jewish day school nerd.” Always fascinated by languages and alphabets, he has spent his life turning what others might call “personal weirdness” into something extraordinary. Since 1996, he has shaped the development of contemporary ketubah art and helped 100,000 Jewish, interfaith and LGBTQ+ couples find their perfect ketubah (Jewish marriage contract).