In the Reform movement, such egalitarian texts, presented in modern Hebrew and English, frequently replace the traditional formulation. The egalitarian texts used here were composed for me by Dr. Arnold Band, the eminent scholar of Hebrew literature. The artwork surrounding the ketubah texts celebrates the warm and loving home inaugurated by the Jewish wedding. The flowers and fruit presented against the blue and gold border symbolize qualities found in the Jewish home. In midrash, or rabbinic legend, roses, lilies and narcissus are associated with a variety of virtues, including physical loveliness, the beauty and sweetness of the Commandments and humility.
Olive branches symbolize nobility, fruitfulness and peace in Biblical texts.
The spray of roses, shown in bud, full flower and fruit additionally represent the life cycle. Throughout Jewish lore and ritual grapes symbolize joy and sanctification, while wheat speaks of sustenance. Throughout Jerusalem, sprigs of the caper plant spring from the driest stone walls, producing buds and fresh white blossoms daily. In the Babylonian Talmud, the caper plant's ability to thrive in the face of adversity is compared to Israel's own perseverance. The flowering and fruiting almond branch draws upon the story in Numbers 17 in which Aaron's wooden staff miraculously sprouts almond leaves, blossoms and fruits, demonstrating the legitimacy of Moses' and Aaron's leadership of the people.