ViewMate - Image Archive, Image 114601 - Translation - Hebrew - USA - Chicago - Klein


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Information

Picture

Question

Category: Translation - Hebrew
Approval Date: 5/31/2026 4:47 PM
Family Surname: Klein
Country: USA
Town: Chicago
Date of Image: 1913

Click the picture to enlarge

I am trying to learn the Bride's name from this Ketuba. I think it may be (something) Malka daughter of Yosef. It is possible her name is Yiddish.

ALso, what is the meaning of the Mem (?) following her father's name?

Lastly, I can read the Groom's name (Yosef Samuel son of Abraham Moshe), but what is the word preceding his name?

Thank you for your help. Barb Snider

Response

5/31/2026 5:54 PM

When trying to decipher names on a Ketuba, it is always helpful to include the entire document, as these names are repeated many times, and seeing all of these repetitions can help with the readings.

The word before the groom's name is Bachur, which means young (and/or unmarried) man. The letter(s) before Bachur are grammatical prefixes.

The word before the bride's name is Besultah, which is Aramaic for young woman/maiden/virgin.

I'm not sure about the letter following the name of the bride's father (which looks to me like a Nun). It MAY mean that he was still alive. However, the names of other people do not have additions that state whether they have passed away or not, so I cannot be sure. Whoever filled out the Ketuba was a bit inconsistent in style, as at one point the bride's name is followed by an abbreviation meaning "may she live long", whereas it does not appear elsewhere, nor does it appear after the name of her groom. As I mentioned, it would be helpful to see the entire document. (You can send it to me).

6/9/2026 6:39 PM

Observation: The wedding took place on the 14th day of Adar II, the Purim Holiday. A joyous happy day became even more joyous with the wedding.
GROOM: Habachur (Hebrew for young man or never yet married) Yosef Samuel son of Abraham Moshe.
BRIDE: the Virgin, Malka daughter of Yosef נ.י. (two letter acronym for "may his light shine", a biblical phrase used for a living man.

ViewMate Posting VM 114601

Submitted by Barbara Snider

Learn more about our organizational leadership, mission, and values. There are numerous opportunities to get involved yourself!

Search millions of records from around the globe, including more than 4 million records related to the Holocaust, and more than 4.2 million burial records. Records are continually added each month - check back often for new information!

Discover your ancestral town, explore geographic/regional based sections of the JewishGen site (Research Divisions), and explore what daily life was like for your ancestors - and what we can learn from them today.

Enhance your research with online classes and dozens of helpful articles. University students can apply for the Bennett & Robin Greenspan L'dor V'dor Legacy Program, and those "out of school" can help preserve Jewish Heritage in Poland with unique study & volunteer experiences.

Connect with tens of thousands of other JewishGen members via the Family Finder, Discussion Group, Facebook Group, and ViewMate. It's a great way to share success, ask questions, and stay informed of the happenings throughout the Jewish genealogical community.

The JewishGen site is offered as a free public resource. However, it costs a lot of money to maintain and expand our services. If you are in a position to do so, please consider a contribution today - your support will make a difference!

ViewMate Posting VM 114601

Submitted by Barbara Snider