I am David Mordechai – a graphic designer with more than 25 years of professional experience, a licensed attorney, and holder of a broad academic background. One of my main specializations over the years has become the design of designed ketubot – a field that combines for me the love of design, deep familiarity with Jewish texts, and sensitivity to the extraordinary moment in every couple\'s life.
More Than 25 Years in Graphic Design
Unlike designers who entered the field incidentally, I have been working professionally in graphic design for more than 25 years. I studied in-depth specialized courses in design, web development, and professional software tools. Over the years I have designed books, brochures, business cards, catalogs, and websites – a broad and varied portfolio that serves me today in every design project.
A Rare Combination – Graphic Designer and Attorney
What makes my work unique is a rare combination of two worlds: on one side a graphic designer with a rich portfolio, and on the other a licensed attorney, a graduate of the Faculty of Law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This combination is not merely a CV ornament – it enters the work in practice.
Especially in everything connected to ketubot and Jewish documents: the ketubah is both a work of art and a document of legal and halakhic weight. When dealing with a Modern Orthodox ketubah accompanied by a prenuptial agreement, an interfaith ketubah for couples marrying civilly abroad, or any document with legal implications – I understand both sides: aesthetics and legal structure. My clients receive professional answers to halakhic-legal questions, not just beautiful design.
Alongside the design work, I also handle separately enduring powers of attorney, wills, and prenuptial agreements – for couples seeking completeness in their legal portfolio, alongside the designed ketubah.
Specialization in Designed Ketubot
The field of ketubot is especially dear to me, and over the years it has become my flagship specialization. Each ketubah challenges me to bridge between faithfulness to the traditional text and creative freedom in design – two worlds that do not always sit easily together. Over the years I developed a working approach that honors both: precision in every letter and every vowel, alongside flexibility for the couple\'s wishes, personal symbols, color palettes suited to their taste, and combinations of languages. The couple receives a digital draft for proofreading before the final printing – no surprises, no errors.
A Multi-Disciplinary Academic Background
- Law (LL.B.) – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Jewish Studies (M.A.) – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1997
- Psychology and Sociology (B.A.) – University of Haifa, 1989
The combination of law, Jewish studies, and social sciences – gives me practical tools: to understand the traditional text, to understand the person facing me, and to translate everything into a professional legal and design result. Every meeting with a couple is a meaningful encounter on both sides.
Managerial Experience That Ensures Professional Service
Before going independent, I managed public and community organizations of significant scale. Between 2002 and 2005 I served as secretary-CEO of the community of Givon HaChadasha – managing the annual budget, infrastructure projects, and staff. Earlier I also managed educational programs and large teams.
This managerial experience ensures that when you choose me for a design project – you receive accurate timelines, clear communication, and a process that begins and ends on time. No surprises, no delays.
Languages
- Hebrew – native; full mastery of writing and proofreading Hebrew and Aramaic texts
- English – excellent command; enables direct work with Israeli couples abroad and bilingual couples
- Arabic – good command (literary and spoken); enables work with Arabic-speaking couples and language combinations in the ketubah
My Approach
I work with humility and flexibility – in approach and in practice. Every client receives personal attention, not assembly-line treatment. I am available to my clients, explain every stage, present a digital draft for approval before final printing, and do not make empty promises.
Military Service
Israeli Navy, 1978-1981. Discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant, combat soldier and section commander on a missile boat (Sa\'ar class), with a corps citation for excellence. Continued reserve service as a beach-landing instructor. The habits of discipline and responsibility acquired then accompany me in daily work.
Let\'s Talk
If you are getting married soon, looking for a replacement ketubah or an anniversary upgrade, or want to discuss any design or halakhic-legal project – I am available for a no-obligation initial conversation. Talk to me before you decide – you will get a clear picture of what is possible, how much it costs, and how long it takes.