Rabbinic Decree

Kesubah Conundrums

Explores the critical halachic requirement that a couple must possess a valid kesubah, based on the ruling of R' Meir (Kesubos 57a). This requirement is a rabbinic decree to ensure the wife’s financial security against casual divorce. The article discusses implications for lost or invalid contracts, calculates the modern value of the minimum (200 Zuz, approx. $519), and highlights technical issues that can render a kesubah pasul (invalid), such as un-noted blank spaces or cross-outs.