Marriage contract
In 1842, Mrs Hannah Polack, her 17-year-old daughter Miss Sarah Polack, and two sons were returning from a trip to England when they made the acquaintance of George Baron Goodman, a fellow passenger on the Eden. The shipboard meeting between Sarah and George quickly blossomed into a romance. On landing in Sydney, however, the couple struck opposition from Sarah's father, well-known Sydney emancipist auctioneer Abraham Polack.
Polack's first objection was the difference in age between Sarah and her much older suitor. A pillar of the local Jewish community, Polack was also a staunch observer of the sabbath, while Goodman often worked at his photography business on Saturdays.
Sarah and George soon sought the assistance of Joel Samuel Polack, Abraham's business partner and brother, who was able to secure a 'special licence' for them to marry without Sarah's father's consent.
It seems, however, that Abraham relented - probably on condition that the couple married under Jewish rights - as the wedding ceremony eventually took place at the Polack family home on 4 January 1843.
This traditional Jewish wedding contract, or 'ketubbah', was drawn up for the signature of the groom and witnessed by the bride's uncle. The ketubbah is written on parchment in Hebrew with fine calligraphy and decorative scroll-like borders. It notes that a dowry of 100 pieces of silver was to be paid to the groom for the hand of Miss Sarah Polack, which was matched by the groom to make a total bride price of 200 silver 'zuzim' (a biblical currency amount). George Goodman, identified in the contract as Mr Gershon, had anglisied his name sometime prior to his arrival in Sydney.
TRANSCRIPT: Ketubbah (Marriage Contract), 4 January 1843, Sarah Polack to George B. Goodman. MLDOC 739/item 4
Sydney New South Wales
Mazel Tov
On the 4th day of June [sic. ] [January] following Sabbath, 1843 of the creation of the world according to the manner in which we count here in Sydney, have R. Gershon son of Abraham, said to this virgin, Sarah daughter of Abraham, Be my wife according to the laws of Moses and Israel and I will work honour and feed and support you in the custom of Jewish men who work honour feed and support their wives faithfully. I will give you the settlement of virgins, 200 silver zuzim, which is due you according to Torah Law, as well as your food, clothing, necessities of life and conjugal need. Miss Sarah daughter of Abraham agreed and became his wife. This dowry that she brought from her father’s house whether in silver, gold, jewellery, clothing, home furnishings or bedding, Mr Gershon accepts as 100 silver pieces. And the bridegroom Mr Gershon agreed and of his own accord added and [sic] additional 100 silver pieces – the entire amount is 200 silver pieces. Mr Gershon, the bridegroom, made this declaration; The obligation of this ketubbah, this dowry and this additional amount, I accept upon myself and my heirs after me. It can be paid for the entire best part of the property and possessions that I own under all the Heavens. And the obligation of this marriage contract, this dowry, and the additional amount was accepted by Mr Gershon the bridegroom according to the strictest usage of all the marriage contracts and additional amounts according to the ordinances of our Sages, of blessed memory; it shall not be a mere speculation or a sample document.
We have made a kinyan from Mr Gershon son of Abraham to Miss Sarah daughter of Abraham, this virgin, regarding everything written and stated above, with an article that is fit for such a kinyan.
And everything is valid and confirmed. Rabbi performing the ceremony – Jacob son of Kohen Meir.
Groom – George Goodman
Witness – Joel Samuel Polack
(Literal translation from the Hebrew by George Gilbert, USA)
