[171] The kethubhah is in its essential elements very old, and dates probably back to the time when the Jews in Palestine spoke Aramaic. The [[486]]settlement described in this document should be made to correspond with the actual deed of settlement legally executed. On the other hand, even the poorer bridegrooms should be induced to make a real settlement corresponding to the promises made in the kethubhah. The system of life insurance facilitates such a course. Otherwise the kethubhah has no importance. [↑]
[172] The contents of these Blessings are: (1) Benediction over wine; (2) praise of God as the Creator of the Universe, (3) as the Creator of man, (4) and of woman; (5) prayer for the comfort of Zion, (6) for the rejoicing of the young couple, and (7) for their united happiness. [↑]
[173] Lit., “Good planet.” The term has entirely lost its original meaning, and denotes simply “hearty congratulation.” [↑]
[174] In the Torah polygamy is not forbidden, but not encouraged. It was a luxury inaccessible to the multitude, and the king is distinctly told that he must not have many wives (Deut. xvii. 17). The principle of monogamy is implied in many Biblical passages, as, e.g., Gen. ii. 20 sqq.; Mal. ii. 14; Ps. cxxviii. 3; Prov. v. 18 sqq. [↑]
[175] A woman divorced from her husband by גט or from her brother-in-law by חליצה cannot marry a kohen. [↑]
[176] In every congregation there is a special society of those who devote themselves to the needs of the sick (חברת בקור חולים). See above, p. 302. [↑]
[177] “Many have made confession and have afterwards recovered” are the very words to be addressed to the patient according to the Shulchan-aruch, Jore deah cccxxxviii. [↑]
[178] See Sefer ha-chayyim, and Daily Prayer-book, p. 314 sqq. [↑]
[180] Those present exclaim: ברוך דין אמת “Blessed art thou … who art the true Judge.” The same is done by those who are not present on hearing the sad news. Relatives rend also their garments (קריעה). [↑]