To separate the betrothal blessings from the marriage blessings (Sheva Berachot), the "Ketubah" (marriage contract) is read aloud, usually by another honoree. The "Ketubah" is a binding document of confidence and trust which details the husband's obligations to his wife. Therein, the Chatan pledges to "work for you, honor, provide for and support you, in accordance with the practices of Jewish husbands who work for their wives' honor, provide and support them in truth."

The signing of the Ketubah shows that the bride and groom do not see marriage as only a physical and emotional union, but also as a legal and moral commitment which delineates the human and financial obligations of the husband to his wife according to Jewish law and customs.

Its basic aim is to strengthen and affirm the wife's dignified status, as well as to confer a number of special privileges on her. The Ketubah also contains stipulations of financial settlement in case of, God forbid, divorce. Following the reading of this contract, the Ketubah is handed over to the Kallah. Should this document be lost, the couple may not live together until a new contract is drawn up.