We are back after a little hiatus. This week I bring to you the famous Eishes Chayil. This song, sung every Friday night as a tribute to the Shabbos Queen and a testimony to the true beauty and strength of the Jewish woman. As our tradition teaches this song was originally composed as a eulogy for our matriarch Sarah. It was sung over her grave by her beloved husband Avraham. Later the song is codified into Jewish cannon in the book of Mishlei or proverbs by King Solomon. This week I have included two renditions of the song, the first by the Brothers Portnoy and the second by the fames Reb. Shlomo Carlebach.
The last paragraph of this gorgeous piece helps us to understand what holy beauty is, of course far beyond that of a pretty countenance
“False is grace, and vain is beauty; a G-d-fearing woman, she should be praised.
Give her the fruit of her hands, and she will be praised at the gates by her very own deeds.”
For a full text and translation click here
