Eishet Chayil: A Woman of Valor

Informative Articles & Videos

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Eishet Chayil Q&A

Eishet Chayil Q&A

This excerpt from an article by Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky presents and responds to both technical and philosophical questions about specific words and

A Love Letter to the Woman of Valor

A Love Letter to the Woman of Valor

In this scholarly article, Dr. Malka Simkovich describes her evolving relationship to the song Eishet Chayil. While she once disregarded

On Labor Day, Let’s Consider a New ‘Woman of Valor’

On Labor Day, Let’s Consider a New ‘Woman of Valor’

This article, posted on Labor Day by Lana Adler, criticizes Eishet Chayil for celebrating a woman who works only for

Women of Valor: An Evolving Role Model

Women of Valor: An Evolving Role Model

In this article, Jordyn Rozensky explores the concept of valor from a modern, feminist perspective, challenging readers to think about what it means

Standing or Sitting for Shalom Aleichem and Eshet Chayil?

Standing or Sitting for Shalom Aleichem and Eshet Chayil?

This short post states that there is no uniform custom for whether the songs “Shalom Aleichem” and “Eshet Chayil” should be sung

Happy to Skip Eishet Chayil: A Modern Feminist Critique

Happy to Skip Eishet Chayil: A Modern Feminist Critique

In this personal critique, Lauren Kramer challenges the traditional custom of singing Eishet Chayil to the woman of the house

A Valorous Woman: A Feminist Critique of Eishet Chayil

A Valorous Woman: A Feminist Critique of Eishet Chayil

This blog post by Ellie Kahn challenges the impossible standards to which women have always been held, from Biblical times (as

Eishet Chayil: A Template for Modern Women

Eishet Chayil: A Template for Modern Women

In this article, a modern woman who lives by Jewish tradition explains why she feels that Eishet Chayil is very

How Eishet Chayil Shaped One Woman’s Evolving Jewish Identity

How Eishet Chayil Shaped One Woman’s Evolving Jewish Identity

In this personal article, Sarah Zell Young shares how her religious journey is reflected in her evolving relationship with the words

Origins and Interpretations of Proverbs 31

Origins and Interpretations of Proverbs 31

This brief article from Wikipedia offers an introduction to Proverbs 31, the Biblical source for Eishet Chayil. It provides both literal and

Which Biblical Woman Was the Original Eishet Chayil?

Which Biblical Woman Was the Original Eishet Chayil?

This essay discusses some theories as to which biblical woman the poem, Eishet Chayil, could be referring. The author, Asher Gabbay,

More Precious Than Pearls: A Digital Book of Essays on Eishet Chayil

More Precious Than Pearls: A Digital Book of Essays on Eishet Chayil

This 94 page book, “More Precious Than Pearls: A Prayer for the Women of Valor in Our Lives,” is a collection of

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Meaning, Origins, How To, English Text

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Meaning, Origins, How To, English Text

This detailed article by Chaviva Gordon-Bennett provides a thorough introduction to Eishet Chayil, including the meaning, origins, and practical how-to’s of singing this song

How To Read Eshet Chayil: Reflections from a Feminist Scholar

How To Read Eshet Chayil: Reflections from a Feminist Scholar

This reflection by feminist scholar, Dr. Wendy Zierler, traces her evolving relationship with the words of Eshet Chayil over the course of

Why We Recite Eishet Chayil on Friday Night

Why We Recite Eishet Chayil on Friday Night

In order to explain why Eishet Chayil is traditionally sung on Shabbat, this detailed article by Rabbi Yehuda Shuprin offers insight into

A Scholarly and Contextual Approach to the Identity of the Eshet Chayil

A Scholarly and Contextual Approach to the Identity of the Eshet Chayil

This scholarly article argues that there is no single answer to the question “Who is the Eishet Chayil?” because the interpretation

A Complete Guide to Eishet Chayil

A Complete Guide to Eishet Chayil

This thorough article offers a complete introduction to the custom of singing Eishet Chayil on Friday night, including the reasons behind

One Jewish Woman’s Musings on Eishet Chayil

One Jewish Woman’s Musings on Eishet Chayil

In this personal blog post, Amy Meltzer shares her desire, as a Jewish woman, to hear her praises sung at

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Customs

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Yemenite Custom for Eishet Chayil

Yemenite Custom for Eishet Chayil

This website presents an audio recording of the late Yemenite poet and singer Binyamin Nachum singing Eishet Chayil with the

Yosef Karduner: Breslov Melody for Eishet Chayil

Yosef Karduner: Breslov Melody for Eishet Chayil

This solemn melody for Eishet Chayil comes from Yosef Karduner‘s album, “Yearning for Shabbat: Traditional Breslov Songs for Shabbat Night.” An

Eishet Chayil with On Screen English, Hebrew, Transliterated Text

Eishet Chayil with On Screen English, Hebrew, Transliterated Text

This video presents a slow but lively version of one of the most popular melodies for Eishet Chayil, composed by

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Traditional Practices - Learn How

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Today’s Woman of Valor: An Empowering Adaptation of Eishet Chayil

Today’s Woman of Valor: An Empowering Adaptation of Eishet Chayil

This adaptation of Eishet Chayil by Ahava Lilith EverShine goes through each verse of the traditional text, providing a modern

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Video & Text (Hebrew, English, Transliteration)

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Video & Text (Hebrew, English, Transliteration)

This video presents a simple, clear version of the most popular melody for Eishet Chayil, composed by Ben Zion Shenker in 1953.

Guitar Chords for Ben Zion Shenker’s Popular Eishet Chayil Melody

Guitar Chords for Ben Zion Shenker’s Popular Eishet Chayil Melody

This website offers the guitar chords for the most popular melody for Eishet Chayil, composed by Ben Zion Shenker in 1953.

Eishet Chayil with On Screen English, Hebrew, Transliterated Text

Eishet Chayil with On Screen English, Hebrew, Transliterated Text

This video presents a slow but lively version of one of the most popular melodies for Eishet Chayil, composed by

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Meaning, Origins, How To, English Text

Introduction to Eishet Chayil: Meaning, Origins, How To, English Text

This detailed article by Chaviva Gordon-Bennett provides a thorough introduction to Eishet Chayil, including the meaning, origins, and practical how-to’s of singing this song

A Complete Guide to Eishet Chayil

A Complete Guide to Eishet Chayil

This thorough article offers a complete introduction to the custom of singing Eishet Chayil on Friday night, including the reasons behind

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Music

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Halfon Family: A Cappella Eishet Chayil

Halfon Family: A Cappella Eishet Chayil

This impressive home video features the Halfon family singing a harmonic, a cappella rendition of Ben Zion Shekner’s famous melody for

Avrumy Holczler: Professional Hasidic Singer Performs Eishet Chayil at His Own Wedding

Avrumy Holczler: Professional Hasidic Singer Performs Eishet Chayil at His Own Wedding

This video features Avrumy Holczler, an alto singer in the Zemiros Group, performing an original composition of the first and

Ofir Nagar: Mizrahi Influenced Eishet Chayil

Ofir Nagar: Mizrahi Influenced Eishet Chayil

This original version of Eishet Chayil was the first song that Israeli musician Ofir Nagar ever performed in front of

Shabbat Songs Project: Israeli Artists Perform Eishet Chayil

Shabbat Songs Project: Israeli Artists Perform Eishet Chayil

This video features a unique version of Ben Zion Shenker’s popular Eishet Chayil melody, performed by a collection of Israeli

AYEKA: “Eshes Chayil” – The Eternal Search for the Divine Presence

AYEKA: “Eshes Chayil” – The Eternal Search for the Divine Presence

This deeply spiritual and poetic song by AYEKA (literally, “Where Are You”), entitled “Eshes Chayil,” is about the search for the

Adash: A Cappella Eishet Chayil by a Czech Vocal Ensemble

Adash: A Cappella Eishet Chayil by a Czech Vocal Ensemble

This video features an original a cappella performance of Eishet Chayil by Adash, a vocal ensemble from Ostrava University in

Blue Fringe: A Jewish Pop-Rock Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

Blue Fringe: A Jewish Pop-Rock Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

This pop-rock song by Blue Fringe, entitled “Eshet Chayil,” is about a couple who are predestined for one another and

Yosef Karduner: Original Melody for Eishet Chayil

Yosef Karduner: Original Melody for Eishet Chayil

This original melody for Eishet Chayil comes from Yosef Karduner‘s album, “Dibur Pashut” (“Simple Talk”). An Israeli Hasidic singer, songwriter, and composer,

Eishet Chayil as a Eulogy at a Funeral

Eishet Chayil as a Eulogy at a Funeral

In this moving video, David Mandler sings Eishet Chayil as an ode to his late grandmother, Chaya Hentche bas Chenoch, at her

Groom Serenades Bride with Eishet Chayil at Wedding

Groom Serenades Bride with Eishet Chayil at Wedding

In this romantic video a groom serenades his new bride at their wedding using the popular melody composed by Ben Zion Shenker.

The Maccabeats: A Cappella Eishet Chayil

The Maccabeats: A Cappella Eishet Chayil

This audio recording presents an original melody for the first three verses of Eishet Chayil performed by the Maccabeats, an

Sensation Band: A Billy Joel Eishet Chayil

Sensation Band: A Billy Joel Eishet Chayil

This video features Sensation Band performing the first four and last two verses of Eishet Chayil to the tune of

Rav Shmuel Brazil: Original Eishet Chayil Melody

Rav Shmuel Brazil: Original Eishet Chayil Melody

This is a recording of Rabbi Shmuel Brazil’s original rendition of Eishet Chayil, from the “Regesh Volume 7 – Shabbos” album. Rav

Yosef Karduner: Breslov Melody for Eishet Chayil

Yosef Karduner: Breslov Melody for Eishet Chayil

This solemn melody for Eishet Chayil comes from Yosef Karduner‘s album, “Yearning for Shabbat: Traditional Breslov Songs for Shabbat Night.” An

The Barry Sisters: A Yiddish Swing Eishet Chayil

The Barry Sisters: A Yiddish Swing Eishet Chayil

This video presents an upbeat, jazzy Yiddish version of Eishet Chayil performed by the Barry Sisters, popular American Klezmer and

William Goldstein: An Emotional Eishet Chayil Tribute to his Mother

William Goldstein: An Emotional Eishet Chayil Tribute to his Mother

This emotional video is William Goldstein’s tribute to his beloved mother Sylvia, complete with a backdrop of pictures and videos. Goldstein

New York School of Jewish Song: Boys Choir Sing Eishet Chayil

New York School of Jewish Song: Boys Choir Sing Eishet Chayil

This audio recording features an American young boys’ choir singing a lovely melody for Eishet Chayil with Orthodox Asheknazi pronunciation

Dudi Kalish: A Hebrew and Yiddish Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

Dudi Kalish: A Hebrew and Yiddish Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

This video features Jewish singers Dudi Kalish and Ari Hill performing an original song by Kalish, inspired by Eishet Chayil.

Eitan Katz: Emotive Eishet Chayil

Eitan Katz: Emotive Eishet Chayil

This audio recording features popular Jewish musician Eitan Katz performing his slow melody for Eishet Chayil. A member of an extremely musical family who was

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach: Eishet Chayil

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach: Eishet Chayil

This audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing his original melody for Eishet Chayil. Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach (1925-1994), also known as the “Singing

Qiyan Krets: Sephardic Influenced Eishet Chayil by a Nordic Musical Ensemble

Qiyan Krets: Sephardic Influenced Eishet Chayil by a Nordic Musical Ensemble

This audio recording presents an ethnically inspired version of the first eight verses of Eishet Chayil by Qiyan Krets, a female musical

A Eulogy for Ben Zion Shenker, Composer of the Most Famous Eishet Chayil Melody

A Eulogy for Ben Zion Shenker, Composer of the Most Famous Eishet Chayil Melody

This post includes an article from The New York Times about the Jewish composer, Ben Zion Shenker, who composed the most

Festive Melody for Eishet Chayil

Festive Melody for Eishet Chayil

This audio clip presents an upbeat version of  the first two verses of Eishet Chayil from the YouTube album “Shabbat Songs,”

Elli Kranzler: Upbeat Version of Eishet Chayil

Elli Kranzler: Upbeat Version of Eishet Chayil

This audio clip presents an upbeat version of  Eishet Chayil sung by Dr. Elli Kranzler,  a psychiatrist, musical performer, and

Micha’el Eliyahu BenDavid: Eishet Chayil

Micha’el Eliyahu BenDavid: Eishet Chayil

This music video presents an ethnically inspired version of Eishet Chayil by Micha’el Eliyahu BenDavid, a Christian-born musician who aims to

Eliezer Diamond: Upbeat Version of Eishet Chayil

Eliezer Diamond: Upbeat Version of Eishet Chayil

This audio clip presents an upbeat version of the first eight verses of Eishet Chayil sung by Dr. Eliezer Diamond, an author,

Alicia Jo Rabins: An Indie-Folk Retranslation of Eishet Chayil

Alicia Jo Rabins: An Indie-Folk Retranslation of Eishet Chayil

In this video, Alicia Jo Rabins performs “Rubies,” a modern adaptation of Eishet Chayil, which she describes as a love song

The IDF Rabbinical Choir Sings Eishet Chayil at Dinner

The IDF Rabbinical Choir Sings Eishet Chayil at Dinner

In this home video, the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) Rabbinical Choir, led by Chief Cantor Shai Abramson, sings a harmonic accapella arrangement

Yaakov Shwekey: An Original Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

Yaakov Shwekey: An Original Song Inspired by Eishet Chayil

This video presents an emotive rendition of the first two and last two verses of Eishet Chayil performed by the

Ehud Banai: Mizrahi Influenced Eshet Chayil

Ehud Banai: Mizrahi Influenced Eshet Chayil

This simple, repetitive tune for Eshet Chayil is performed by Ehud Banai, one of the most influential artists in Israel. This song is from his

Juliet Spitzer: A Woman of Valor for Today

Juliet Spitzer: A Woman of Valor for Today

The music and lyrics for this modern version of Eishet Chayil were composed by singer/songwriter Juliet Spitzer, who describes herself

Guitar Chords for Ben Zion Shenker’s Popular Eishet Chayil Melody

Guitar Chords for Ben Zion Shenker’s Popular Eishet Chayil Melody

This website offers the guitar chords for the most popular melody for Eishet Chayil, composed by Ben Zion Shenker in 1953.

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English Translation of Eishet Chayil with Animated Graphic Representations

English Translation of Eishet Chayil with Animated Graphic Representations

This well-produced video presents an artistic graphic representation of each verse of Eishet Chayil, including a translation of the words

A Groom’s Eishet Chayil Inspired Poem to his Bride

A Groom’s Eishet Chayil Inspired Poem to his Bride

In this lighthearted, low quality video, Josh Lannik recites an original rhyming poem to his new wife, Liz Shayne, at their

Blessing the Beloved: An Alternative to Eishet Chayil for Opposite & Same Sex Couples

Blessing the Beloved: An Alternative to Eishet Chayil for Opposite & Same Sex Couples

This excerpt from Marcia Falk‘s “The Book of Blessings” offers an alternative ceremony to Eishet Chayil, based on verses in

A Pictorial View of the Woman of Valor

A Pictorial View of the Woman of Valor

This creative post by Karen Wolfers-Rapaport includes a photographic representation of each verse of Eishet Chayil, along with background information and deeper

An Artist’s Interpretation of Eishet Chayil

An Artist’s Interpretation of Eishet Chayil

This artistic interpretation of Eishet Chayil by Roni Pinto features the image of a woman lighting Shabbat candles, made up

In Search of Eishet Chayil: An Empowering Lesson Plan for Adolescent Girls

In Search of Eishet Chayil: An Empowering Lesson Plan for Adolescent Girls

This thorough lesson plan by Aya Baron is designed to help adolescent girls feel empowered, valorous, and aware of the

People of Valor: Changing Traditions at an Egalitarian Summer Camp

People of Valor: Changing Traditions at an Egalitarian Summer Camp

In this blog post, Hani Fish-Bieler recalls how the staff and campers at Camp Ramah, a Conservative egalitarian sleepover camp, decided

A Poem Inspired by Eishet Chayil

A Poem Inspired by Eishet Chayil

In this poem, Eric S. Kingston explores the concept of a Woman of Valor, focusing on both a woman’s ability to

A Response to Eishet Chayil: An Egalitarian Poem from Wife to Husband

A Response to Eishet Chayil: An Egalitarian Poem from Wife to Husband

This poem, meant to be recited by a wife to her husband, was written by Ruth F. Brin as a

An Empowering Eishet Chayil Poem from a Healing Ritual for Abused Women

An Empowering Eishet Chayil Poem from a Healing Ritual for Abused Women

The following poem is a short excerpt from a healing ceremony designed to assure an abused Jewish woman that she

Juliet Spitzer: A Woman of Valor for Today

Juliet Spitzer: A Woman of Valor for Today

The music and lyrics for this modern version of Eishet Chayil were composed by singer/songwriter Juliet Spitzer, who describes herself

A Ceremony to Honor Women & A Modern Version of Eishet Chayil

A Ceremony to Honor Women & A Modern Version of Eishet Chayil

This ceremony was designed to honor the women in our lives and learn from their character traits and contributions. Based

A Contemporary “Women of Valor” Ceremony for the Passover Seder

A Contemporary “Women of Valor” Ceremony for the Passover Seder

This ceremony, meant to be performed before drinking the third cup of wine at the Passover seder, encourages people to

Gender Bias in Translation: Why is “Chayil” Often Translated as “Virtuous”?

Gender Bias in Translation: Why is “Chayil” Often Translated as “Virtuous”?

This thorough article examines the different ways that the word “chayil” is used throughout the Bible, suggesting that gender bias has influenced

A Feminist Eishet Chayil Poem

A Feminist Eishet Chayil Poem

In this post, Tamara Cohen, a Jewish feminist writer, activist and educator, shares personal memories of how her mother, a hard-working professional

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