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Subject: Ketubah

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Ketubah of Shelomoh ben Simhah and Braynah bat Yosef, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1835Ketubah of Shelomoh ben Simhah and Braynah bat Yosef, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1835

This ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) is written in Hebrew and Aramaic on parchment in brown ink. It documents the marriage of Shelomoh ben Simhah and Braynah bat Yosef, which took place in 1835 at Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ketubah is significant for being officiated by Isaac Leeser as Hazan (cantor) and Abraham Hart as President (parnas). This may be the earliest known ketubah signed by Rev. Leeser, offering a significant glimpse into early 19th-century American Jewish life. The description includes a comparison with a similar ketubah from 1848 sold at auction.

Marriage Certificate of [Couple's Names], New York, 1832Marriage Certificate of [Couple's Names], New York, 1832

American Jewish marriage contract (Ketubah) written and signed in New York City on September 20, 1832. Officiated by Rabbi Isaac B. Seixas of Congregation Shearith Israel. Jonathan Mitchell and William (?) Isaacs served as witnesses. The document is written in Hebrew and English.