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OFFER--Special for Mother's Day!
Every Mother's Day order will
include a FREE copy of the Woman of Valor poem, typeset as you see
to the left, printed on parchment paper and ready for framing! Please read
the background of the poem as well as the poem, below. It's truly a
beautiful tribute to women!
A Woman of Valor, called Eshet Chayil in Hebrew, is a
timeless hymn that is a tribute to Jewish women.
The poem describes the woman of valor as one who is energetic, righteous,
and capable. 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.
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 throughout the past week.
An accomplished woman, who can find? Her value is far beyond
pearls.
Her husband's heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune.
She does him good and not evil, all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands willingly.
She is like the merchant ships, she brings her bread from afar.
She arises while it is still night, and gives food to her household and a
portion to her maidservants.
She plans for a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a
vineyard.
She girds her loins in strength, and makes her arms strong.
She knows that her merchandise is good. Her candle does not go out at night.
She sets her hands to the distaff, and holds the spindle in her hands.
She extends her hands to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.
She fears not for her household because of snow, because her whole household
is warmly dressed.
She makes covers for herself, her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the
land.
She makes a cloak and sells it, and she delivers aprons to the merchant.
Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the lesson of kindness is on her tongue.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of
idleness.
Her children rise and praise her, her husband lauds her.
Many women have done worthily, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears God shall be
praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the
gates. |