Obj. ID: 43877
Modern Jewish Art  Avi and Galit Shalev Marriage Contract, Israel, 1997

The artist describes the piece the following way:

The round dancing shape of the ketubah decoration was created by skillful use of the first letters of the name of bride and groom. The central text contains the marriage contract (ketubah) and the original calligraphy has been silkscreened.

The cutout text around the papercut contains verses that were traditionally recited at the weddings of the Jews of Yemen and reads:

"In the name of the Merciful, full of mercy. In the name of him to whom greatness belongs, (whose name) is exalted above every blessing and praise. In a most auspicious time and a commended season, with strength, repute and glory, delight and exultation, grace, favor and compassion fulfillment of every wish to the bridegroom and the bride and the entire assembled community, the chosen seed of Israel. May they rejoice and be joyful, blossom and spread like fragrance. May they build and prosper, build and prosper."