Wives, Zuzzim and Goats: A Comparative View of Familial Economies

In modern Jewish life, the monetary value of the “zuz” or “zuzzim” is present at weddings and at the Pessach seder. In the ketubah, a bride guaranteed a specific amount of zuzzim in the event of a divorce. At Pessach, the familiar song “Chad Gadya” begins a divine tale with the purchase of a goat for zuzzim. Can these texts be compared? What do these texts tell us about incomes and familial responsibilities in the ancient and medieval worlds?

In examining the usage of the “zuz” in both the marriage contract and the familiar holiday song the average household expenses and obligations can be examined. The monetary unit of “zuz” as a unit of silver or as a period of labor allows for texts to become windows into the daily lives of Jews in these periods. Examination of modern Rabbinical and social views on divorce and alimony shows a similar world view.

Ancient and medieval societies placed value on the marital unit and provided support in case of divorce. By placing these texts within the economies of their period and the purchasing power of zuzzim a complex view of familial obligations develops.