Decorated paper ketubah for the marriage of Yitzchak son of Mordechai Kefeli and Mirat daughter of Aharon. "Karaite community in Gözleve" (today Yevpatoria), Crimean Peninsula, 17th Kislev 5608 [November 25, 1847].
Ink and paint on paper.
Ketubah on large paper sheet, representing the unique rite and customs of the Karaite community: the ketubah text is written in Hebrew (rather than Aramaic), the document is composed of two parts – the upper part is the ketubah document, and the bottom part details the dowry; and the ketubah is signed by no fewer than ten witnesses. Before the signatures of the witnesses appear signatures of the groom, who notes his last name (Kefeli), and the signature of the bride's brother.
After noting the location, "Gözleve", the document goes on to mention "Emperor Nikolai I Pavlovich" (Tsar Nicholas I), and includes a commitment to the "covenant of Mount Sinai and the laws of Mount Horeb, to observe G-d's festivals, consecrated by observation of the moon and the presence of spring in the holy Land of Israel…".
Decorated with repeating vegetal and floral patterns, topped by a low flower vase in a pointed arch. The frames separating the different parts of the ketubah are decorated in a faded gold appearing for the most part as green. The inner frame incorporates verses from the Book of Ruth and blessings.
Gözleve or Gozlov was Hebrew name of Yevpatoria, Crimean Peninsula. During the 19th century, this city served as the spiritual center of Karaite Judaism and was home to the community's Hakham. In the late 19th century (1897), the city was home to 1,505 Karaite Jews and 1,590 more Krymchak and Ashkenazi Jews.
For another Karaite item donated by Mordechai Kefeli (apparently the groom's father) to the Gözleve synagogue, see: Kedem, Auction 94, October 31, 2023 (Gross Family Collection), Lot 60. The Hebrew press that was active in Gözleve during the 1930s was also managed by a member of the Kefeli family.
55.5X79 cm. Overall good condition. Folding marks, slightly affecting text. Stains, slightly affecting text (mainly visible on verso). Fading of gold color. Minor tears, professionally restored. Moisture damage, slightly affecting text and illustrations.
The NLI ketubah site documents only six ketubot from Yevpatoria, including the present ketubah (listing 990003035730205171).
For further information and comparisons, see: Kedem, Auction 94, October 31 2023 (Gross Family Collection), Lot 13; René Braginsky collection, K54.
