An ancient Ketubah ceremony held in the Volozhin Yeshiva

For the first time in the history of modern Belarus, and Volozhin in particular, where the Yeshiva (yeshivah) was opened in 2024 after a large-scale reconstruction, an ancient Jewish ceremony of signing the Ketubah, or marriage contract, took place, as one of the most important parts of the wedding ceremony.

"I was directly involved in the reconstruction process of the Volozhin Yeshiva, which was restored thanks to the support of the regional leadership in 2024. And we wanted to fill this object, which is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, with significant events, including life cycle ceremonies. Here we had the first coming-of-age ceremonies, and then I suggested to one couple that they sign a marriage contract, or Ketubah," said Grigory Abramovich, the chief rabbi of the religious association of progressive Judaism communities in Belarus.

Павялічыць

A couple from Minsk — Eyal and Abigail, parents of many children, whose union was officially registered by the state — came to Volozhin for the signing.

However, it took years for the signing of the marriage contract to become an act of spiritual kinship awareness.

"For us, it is a great honor and incredible luck that the Ketubah signing took place in such a holy place as the Volozhin Yeshiva. Every brick, every element in it preserves echoes of past eras, which gave the ceremony a special resonance. We have come a long way to this moment. This is not an easy decision and a great responsibility," said Abigail, noting that this was their first visit to Volozhin.

"We want the strength and beauty of this land to protect our family as well," Abigail emphasized.

Eyal shared that, specifically for the ceremony, the couple prepared national Jewish costumes, in which they performed a dance, accompanied by a musical ensemble, as a couple now legitimate before the Almighty.

Павялічыць

In turn, Grigory Abramovich emphasized that holding the Ketubah ceremony is one of the factors in strengthening the traditional family, as well as one of the conditions for the development of religious tourism. Today, the Volozhin Yeshiva attracts guests from different parts of the world.

"The signing of the Ketubah has not yet become traditional — it needs time for that. However, I am increasingly convinced that Volozhin will become a place of attraction for tourists, including for the purpose of holding life cycle ceremonies. And its excellent infrastructure allows for the full performance of a marriage ceremony," he noted.

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