Eshet Ḥayil

("Woman of Valor"). Alphabetical acrostic in praise of a virtuous wife recited by the husband before the Sabbath eve meal; it comprises verses from the last chapter of Proverbs (31:10-31). The poem describes an aristocratic woman, familiar with commerce and successful in management, responsible, industrious, charitable, and wise. She brings honor to her family, especially to her husband who, thanks to her support and conduct, is able to take his rightful place of leadership in the community. Midrash Proverbs, an eighth-century compilation, was the first of many commentaries to see in Eshet Ḥayil a parable for the Torah; according to this Midrash, each of the 22 verses echoes the deeds of a female figure in the Bible. Under kabbalistic influence, Eshet Ḥayil was later reinterpreted as alluding to God (the Shekhinah). The Tikkuné Shabbat, a work published in Prague (1641), first recommended that Eshet Ḥayil be recited in the home before the Kiddush on Sabbath eve. This custom became prevalent in most Jewish communities, sometimes out of reverence for the Shekhinah, but more usually as a man's tribute to his wife or mother. In keeping with its egalitarian approach, the American Reform movement's liturgy suggests the parallel reading of Psalms 112:1-9, "Happy is the man who fears the Lord...," for women to recite in tribute to their husbands or fathers.

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