On Shabbat, after singing “Shalom Aleichem”, the husband recites "a Woman of Valor” (called Eshet Chayil in Hebrew) to his wife. Eshet Chayil is a 22 verse poem which King Solomon concludes the book of Proverbs.
A woman of valor who can find?
She is more precious than rubies.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And because of her he lacks nothing.
She does him good and not evil,
Every day of her life.
She opens her hand to the poor,
She is sensitive to the needy.
She is robed in strength and dignity;
She confidently faces whatever may come.
Her speech reflects wisdom,
Loving kindness guides her tongue.
Her children rise up to call her blessed,
Her husband publicly praises her:
“Many daughters have done superbly,
but you have surpassed them all!”
Charm is an illusion, and beauty is vane,
But a God revering woman merits true praise.
Place before her the fruit of her hands,
For wherever people gather,
her deeds speak her praise.
