Eshet Chayil Decorated - Scroll Format

99 x 24 cm or 39.0 x 9.4 inches

Gouache and gold watercolor on Fabriano 300gsm paper

The poem "Eshet Chayil" concludes the Book of Proverbs (Chapter 31, verses 10-31) and is traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It is a moving hymn of praise to women, structured as an alphabetical acrostic-meaning each verse begins with the successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, from Aleph to Tav.

In Jewish tradition, it is customary for a husband to sing this poem to his wife on Friday night (Shabbat Eve) before the Kiddush. It serves as a token of gratitude, appreciation, and love for her efforts, wisdom, and dedication to the family throughout the week.

On a literal level, the poem describes the ideal woman-diligent, generous, wise, and God-fearing. However, throughout the generations, deep allegorical layers have been attributed to the song, where the "Woman of Valor" also symbolizes the Divine Presence (Shekhinah), the Torah, or the human soul. Because of its profound beauty and rich meaning, the poem has become one of the most popular and beloved motifs in Judaica art and a cherished gift for women.

The poem:

A woman of valour who can find?
For her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,
And he hath no lack of gain.
She doeth him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She seeketh wool and flax,
And worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchant-ships;
She bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night,
And giveth food to her household,
And a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it;
With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength,
And maketh strong her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good;
Her lamp goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the distaff,
And her hands hold the spindle.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She maketh for herself coverings of tapestry;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh linen garments and selleth them;
And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing;
And she laugheth at the time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
She looketh well to the ways of her household,
And eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up, and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praiseth her:
'Many daughters have done valiantly,
But thou excellest them all.'
Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands;
And let her works praise her in the gates.

*Image quality does not reflect the quality of the actual piece