Joanna Sadie, 30 May 2005
Spoken at prayers

This is often read for a deceased female and remarkably is the last chapter of the book of Proverbs attributed to none other than King Solomon.  It is also I think more often read and said (according to my more observant friends) on a Friday Night as part of welcoming in the Shabbos.  The passage focuses on its assessment of woman's value, her traits and her importance in the Jewish family.  In this description the woman is the manager of the household, wise, kind to those who work for her and indeed her value is far above rubies.

Eshet Chayil (Proverbs 31 10-31) A Woman of Valor

"An accomplished woman, who can find?- Far beyond pearls is her value.

Her husband's heart relies on 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 arises while it is yet nighttime, and gives food to her household and a ration to her maidens.

She envisions a field and buys it, from the fruit of her handiwork she plants a vineyard.

With strength she girds her loins, and invigorates her arms.

She discerns that her enterprise is good-so her lamp is not snuffed out by night.

Her hand stretches out 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 in scarlet wool.

Luxurious bedspreads she made herself, linen and purple wool are her clothing.

Distinctive in the councils is her husband, when he sits with the elders of the land.

She makes a cloak to sell, and delivers a belt to the peddler.

Strength and majesty are her raiment, she joyfully awaits the last days.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and a lesson of kindness is on her tongue.

She anticipates the ways of her household, and partakes not the bread of laziness.

Her children arise and praise her, her husband, and he lauds her: "Many daughters have amassed achievements, but you surpassed them all."

False is grace and vain is beauty, a G-d fearing woman- she should be praised.

Give her the fruits of her hand and let her be praised in the gates by her very own deeds."