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Woman of Valor

Woman of Valor - Eshet Hayil

Twenty two verses of the last chapter of the book of Proverbs make up the song of praise to the Jewish woman, known as "Woman of Valor". It is an acrostic; each verse begins with one of the Hebrew letters, in alphabetical order. This tribute to the G-d fearing woman, wife and mother, is sung in her honor each Friday night by the whole family, at the festive Shabbat table. Woman of Valor Jewish artworks are often given to wives and mothers with love and appreciation for their never ending toil, care and concern for their families. Woman of Valor papercuts, calligraphies and art prints adorn many Jewish homes.

Translation: (Proverbs 31:10-31) "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household and a portion to her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good; her candle goes not out by night. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes fine linen and sells it, and delivers girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all." Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised! Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her at the gates."