A Woman of Valor, called Eshet Chayil in Hebrew, is a hymn which is customarily recited on Friday evenings, after returning from synagogue and singing “Shalom Aleichem” and before sitting down to the Shabbat evening meal. This hymn is from the Old Testament, and the description of this model woman, who is a devoted wife and mother, is so appropriate.
Eshet Chayil is a twenty-two verse poem with which King Solomon concludes the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 31). The poem has an acrostic arrangement in which the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in regular order. The poem describes the woman of valor as one who is energetic, righteous, and capable.
According to Aggadic Midrashim (interpretation of the non-legal portions of the Hebrew Bible), the poem was originally composed by Abraham as a eulogy for his wife Sarah.
According to Jewish mysticism, Kabbalah, the poem is a reference to the Shabbat Queen, the spiritual soul-mate of the Jewish nation.
A Woman of Valor has been interpreted as a reference to the Shechinah (Divine presence), the Shabbat, the Torah, wisdom, and the soul. Using Jewish women as the vehicle through which to describe these spiritual manifestations is a tribute to her.
It has become a Jewish custom for men to recite this hymn at the end of the week, and thus to think about and be thankful for all his wife has done for him and their family.
This print above attempts to make literal the figurative phrase at the end of chapter 31 of Proverbs (quoted above), a chapter which is customarily read on Friday nights at the Shabbat dinner table, and is often given by Jewish men to their wives as a gift of art and calligraphy expressing their love and appreciation. The poem, “A Woman of Valor” (Eshet Chayil) can be seen at the bottom of the print.
A Woman of Valor (Eshet Chayil)
A woman of valor, who can find? Far beyond pearls is her value.
Her husband’s heart trusts in her and he shall lack no fortune.
She repays his good, but never his harm, all the days of her life.
She seeks out wool and linen, and her hands work willingly,
She is like a merchant’s ships; from afar she brings her sustenance.
She rises while it is still nighttime, and gives food to her household and a ration to her maids.
She considers a field and buys it; from the fruit of her handiwork she plants a vineyard.
She girds her loins with might and strengthens her arms.
She senses that her enterprise is good, so her lamp is not extinguished at night.
She puts her hand to the distaff, and her palms support the spindle.
She spreads out her palm to the poor and extends her hands to the destitute.
She fears not snow for her household, for her entire household is clothed with scarlet wool.
Bedspreads she makes herself; linen and purple wool are her clothing.
Well-known at the gates is her husband as he sits with the elders of the land.
Garments she makes and sells, and she delivers a belt to the peddler.
Strength and splendor are her clothing, and smilingly she awaits her last day.
She opens her mouth with Wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She anticipates the needs of her household, and the bread of idleness, she does not eat.
Her children rise and celebrate her; and her husband, he praises her:
“Many daughters have attained valor, but you have surpassed them all.”
False is grace, and vain is beauty; a God-fearing woman, she should be praised.
Give her the fruit of her hands, and she will be praised at the gates by her very own deeds.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Eshet Chayil by Romeil Daniel
Romeil Daniel, a Jew from India, came to New York City to find his identy. He is a member of the Benne Israel Jewish community from India was elected President of New York’s Rego Park Jewish Center last spring. Some of the unconventionl traditions of the Bene Israel give conservative Ashkenazy Jews in New York a new perspective on their Judaism.
This piece was broadcast on Columbia University Journalism School’s student webcast on April 22, then again on Studio J’s satellite broadcast. “People never believe that I am Indian and Jewish,” he says. “They think I converted, or walked into the synagogue by accident.”
He is a trained Ashkenazi Cantor from Yeshiva University, Belz School of Music located in New York. In the absence of a Cantor and a Rabbi, Daniel has been giving sermons and conducting the services, Ashkenazi style at the Rego Park shul.
Goood evening…I thought that I should briefly mention that the woman in the photograph above is the mother of Sans Souci and Laurita. Obviously, one would conclude that they are sisters.
And now, a word from our sponsor, the hostess postess with the mostess, Sans Souci.
Oh my this is so wonderful, look at mommy! This is so nice, she would be so happy to see this!!!!! This is a brilliant visual and auditory presentation, sis. With so much wonderful information.Just great! mwah!
Laurita, wow, this is incredible! I confess I had not heard of this before, and it’s so amazing. I love the emphasis on a strong woman as such a treasure, and that husbands present this to their wives as a sign of appreciation. And how beautiful the verses are! I love that you included them first in English, which seems to add so much richness to the video. This is absolutely wonderful!
And, I must add, I love the Hitchcock touch at the end LOL. It’s pretty clear that a definite flair runs in your family, that is so cute! The picture of your mother is really gorgeous — so glamorous! Is there any way she can see this blog? It’s such an incredible tribute, and just so beautiful. I have to think, even without knowing her, that this would make her so happy. Really beautifully done, and thank you for putting this together. I learned something, and enjoyed considerable beauty in the process. Big hugs!
yes first your mom was beautiful-yes we should all copy it and frame it and give it a place of honor-all very very interesting-i almost did him yesterday-have you read my review on When God was a Woman your poem and my review should actually be together-a very very interesting blog and so much to think about thanks
I lingered a while here….so much to take in. I am touched by the reverence of the female in these passages & the mystical qualities of A Woman of Valor…quite beautiful indeed. Just fasinating to read about our religions and their beliefs,isn’t it? What a beautiful family of women you have! Thanks for this wonderful post.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying this ! Isn’t it wonderful to have so many cultures in the world ? We should celebrate the things that make us different from each other and learn from each other. Heidi, I did not read that piece you mentioned, but I will try today, ok ?
I don’t want to repeat myself, but the basic elements in every religion are so common that I can’t help remarking once more that, in fact, we all believe at the same things – only in different ways and with different theoretical frames… Excellent the poem, it’s a portrait to be remembered by all of us!!! Thank you, Laurita!!!
That is a wonderful eulogy, with nothing at all subservient about the woman in question. Isn’t it amazing that something so ancient is still so very relevant today? It observes so keenly the many subtle attributes of human nature. The only recent writers who come close are Shakespeare and Jane Austen.
In my religion this is said about a “Virtuous Woman.” They are also lead up to be leaders in the community. They are held with high esteem and we all strive to be this woman. Though may fail, these are our guidelines to lead a Christian live and something we hold with honor.
Thanks for sharing this. And you’re mother is gorgeous!
zafreud, I think your comment reflects better what I was trying to say, and I agree with you when you said, “We all believe in the same things-only in different ways…” Our belief system may be different, but ultimately, we want the same things for ourselves and our loved ones.
Great post! It seems an infallible stigmatism of men to forget or ignore what the women in their lives do for them.. it’s interesting this is read weekly, I’m not very familiar with Judaism. Seems a good practise to me.
It can be used as a eulogy, but that is not what it is traditionally used for. Traditionally, It is recited by a husband to his wife, honoring her on the Sabbath.
I think the comment on the Eulogy was because it states Abraham composed this as a eulogy for his wife Sarah. I have come back to read this on numerous occasions since you posted it. This reminds me of the honor and respect that my husband showed me and other women. I will honor his memory until the day I die, as he was the most gentle man I have ever met. Thanks for posting this.
I can appreciate the quality ordained in the role of women and accept the sincerity. However written as it is, it reads as a ‘to do list’ for the benefit of the male. If I were to read this to my wife she would certainly make a comment. ‘She rises while it is still night-time’? I am a victim of role reversal.
Bill, according to various commentaries about this poem on the web in regard to its meaning:
“Although the commentators agree that the poem is allegorical – it is variously interpreted as a reference to the Torah, wisdom, and the soul. The very fact that the Jewish women was chosen as the vehicle through which to describe such lofty spiritual manifestations is in itself a profound tribute to her.
The word “chayil” as it is used in Scripture has various connotations: organized military force, strength, wealth, skill, general competence, or devoutness. It always implies the presence of whatever skills or attributes are needed to carry out the task at hand. As is clear from the context, the wife described here is energetic, righteous, and capable, hence an accomplished woman.”
Sis, this is an amazing post with so much wonder and information. I might add that it is the week of the High Holy Days, hence the theme is so appropriate. Wonderful art and wonderful words, and there’s ma! What more could vee vant, dahlink, but a plate of latkes! You should print this and send it to her, she’d love it!!
I find it difficult to connect to the religious significance of this poem but the symbolism and imagery reach beyond these things and touch every one. In particular, these few words paint a powerful image
”She fears not snow for her household, for her entire household is clothed with scarlet wool. Bedspreads she makes herself; linen and purple wool are her clothing.”
I don’t know why but those words paint a beautiful picture
Thank you for posting this. Prov. 31 is a favorite of mine (I’m a Christian), but it’s a toughie to live up to.
Your mother must have been very special if you thought that she lived up to those words. She was a beautiful woman when she was young.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
Tis better late than never …
I learned a few things from reading this tonight. Very impressive woman, Eshet Chayil. I enjoyed reading this, and your presentation never ceases to amaze me as you take the time and energy to give us, so to speak, a good bang for the buck. Well done here.
Done with such class as your posts always are. I am so late that I can not get the video to work but reading the words is powerful. I once had a discussion with a Jewish man about the patriarchal ways of the Jewish faith. He only smiled at me and said that while on the outside looking in it may seem very patriarchal, in reality when on the inside looking out the Jewish tradition is very matriarchal.
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Poetry Wednesday 10/08/08: A Woman of Valor — No Comments
A Woman of Valor, called Eshet Chayil in Hebrew, is a hymn which is customarily recited on Friday evenings, after returning from synagogue and singing “Shalom Aleichem” and before sitting down to the Shabbat evening meal. This hymn is from the Old Testament, and the description of this model woman, who is a devoted wife and mother, is so appropriate.
Goood evening…I thought that I should briefly mention that the woman in the photograph above is the mother of Sans Souci and Laurita. Obviously, one would conclude that they are sisters.
That is a wonderful eulogy
Eulogy? no. Mom is 89 and still on her own!
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Poetry Wednesday 10/08/08: A Woman of Valor — No Comments
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