אשת חייל

  אשת חייל

   Jewish people who faithfully observe the Sabbath sing a certain song to honor the women in their lives. A husband sings it to and for his wife. If there aren’t any women present, Eishes Chayil is sung in praise of women everywhere. If there aren’t any men at the table to sing this wonderful song, the women sing it.

  This song is called “Eishes Chayil” in Hebrew or “Woman of Valor” in English. It is sung every Friday night around the supper table around the world. The song closes the book of Proverbs, and Solomon was the wisest man in the world!

  Bottom line - women deserve to be reminded just how important they really are. To my wife, especially, you are the most important person in my life. And I thank you for everything that you continuously and selflessly do for our family.

  I really wish us Christians had a tradition like this. The women in our lives deserve it!

This link is the prettiest version I have ever heard. Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBc2SXfZRJg


   Here is a translation:

  Who can find a wife of excellence? Her value far exceeds that of gems. The heart of her husband trusts in her, he lacks no gain. She treats him with goodness, never with evil, all the days of her life. She seeks out wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands. She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is still night, gives food to her household, and sets out the tasks for her maids. She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with strength, and flexes her arms. She realizes that her enterprise is profitable; her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands on the spindle, and her palms grasp the distaff. She holds out her hand to the poor, and extends her hands to the destitute. She does not fear for her household in the frost, for her entire household is clothed [warmly] in scarlet. She makes her own tapestries; her garments are of fine linen and purple. Her husband is well-known at the gates, as he sits with the elders of the land. She makes linens and sells [them]; she provides the merchants with girdles. Strength and dignity are her garb, she looks smilingly toward the future. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She watches the conduct of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise and acclaim her, her husband --- and he praises her: Many daughters have done worthily, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is naught; a God-fearing woman is the one to be praised. Give her praise for her accomplishments, and let her deeds laud her at the gates.