Prayers

Eishet Chayil – A Woman of Valor

Eishet Chayil: Celebrating the Woman of Valor

אשת חיל מי ימצא ורחוק מפנינים מכרה “A woman of valor who can find? She is more precious than rubies.”

Eishet Chayil (Woman of Valor) stands as one of Judaism’s most beautiful and enduring tributes to Jewish women. Found in the Book of Proverbs (31:10-31), this ancient poem resonates through generations as a celebration of feminine strength, wisdom, and dignity.

The Tradition

Every Friday evening, as families gather to welcome Shabbat, Jewish households around the world continue a cherished tradition: the singing of Eishet Chayil. Husbands honor their wives with these timeless verses, acknowledging the invaluable role of women in maintaining both home and tradition.

A Poem of Depth and Meaning

Written as an acrostic, with each verse beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, Eishet Chayil paints a portrait of an accomplished woman who embodies the highest virtues:

• She manages her household with wisdom and grace
• She conducts business affairs with sharp acumen
• She extends her hands to those in need
• She speaks with wisdom and teaches kindness
• She faces the future with strength and dignity

Beyond the Home

While often associated with domestic life, Eishet Chayil presents a remarkably modern vision of womanhood. The woman described is not confined to household duties but emerges as a dynamic force in business, community leadership, and charitable works. She is praised not only for her dedication to family but also for her entrepreneurial spirit and financial wisdom.

A Living Legacy

Today, Eishet Chayil remains deeply relevant, offering insights into the timeless qualities that define true leadership and character: compassion, wisdom, diligence, and fear of Heaven. Its verses are often recited at Jewish women’s funerals, celebrating lives lived with purpose and dignity.

The poem concludes with perhaps its most powerful message:

“שקר החן והבל היפי אשה יראת ה’ היא תתהלל” “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised.”

These words remind us that while external qualities fade, spiritual beauty and moral character endure through generations.