Even so, when Solomon composed his eloquent tribute to Jewish womanhood, “The Woman of Valor (Proverbs 31:10-31),” he began with a question: “Who will find her?” We learn from the wisest of all men that she is not apparent, not easily found.
“Eshet Chayil” is a twenty-two verse poem which concludes the book of Proverbs. The poem has an acrostic arrangement in which the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in regular order, from alef to tav. This is Solomon’s way of comparing the all-encompassing virtues of the righteous woman to the completeness of the entire alphabet. The qualities given are like stringing pearls; the writer holds them up for all to admire.
Valor can be defined as a quality of mind that enables us to face dangers, hardships and fears with resolution; to conquer adversity and triumph over the difficulties of life.
The poem describes the woman of valor as one who is energetic, righteous, and capable, a woman who is spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually mature. A woman who possesses the qualities of mind that allow her to conquer adversity and triumph over the difficulties in life. Wise daughters aspire to be like her, wise sons learn from her, wise sisters cherish her, wise men seek to love her, and all wise people aim to incarnate the wisdom she embodies.
Who will find her? We all here have found her, a jewel hidden among us, our Woman of Valor, Mary Dee Latter. Throughout her life she demonstrated bravery and courage, not just in her final battle. Whenever adversity obstructed her path, she forged on. She was the consummate mother, not just to her own children, but to her extended family and friends. Helping people in need, whether through philanthropy or by her own labor, was of utmost importance to Mary. Any task she might be given was completed capably and with perfection, the most recent example being her stewardship in the successful culmination of our synagogue’s search for rabbinic leadership. She was optimistic, never seeing the glass as half empty. She was creative and energetic, always ready with quick wit and a winning smile. Mary embraced her faith and her Jewish heritage. I will miss sitting with her in services, praying together for strength and wisdom, singing joyfully together to welcome Shabbat and festivals, holding hands as together we mourned our losses.
Rather than read King Solomon’s poem as it appears in the Tanakh or Holy Scriptures, I’ve chosen to share an interpretation by Juliet Spitzer entitled “A Woman of Valor” for Today, because Mary is definitely a modern Woman of Valor for Today.
This is dedicated to you, Mary, my friend and confidante, who will always be in my heart.
“A Woman of Valor” for Today
Music and lyrics by Juliet I. Spitzer
Dedicated to Bracha Hollander Goldfein
A good woman, so hard to find
She is more precious than rubies
Her circle cast with friendships deep,
Full of love and graceful ease–
She is a woman of valor.
She opens her hands to the poor
She does not fear the other,
Extends her heart to those in need,
Encourages her friends to succeed–
She is a woman of valor.
CHORUS: ?Praise her, love her, hold her with your eyes
Be the safety that she needs to unlock all that she can be
And let her goodness rise.
Credit is hers for the fruit of her labors
Optimism is her might;
Surrenders to God, she does not despair
Knows how to wrap you in her care–
She is a woman of valor.
CHORUS
Trust in her with your secret fears
Know that she’ll hold you gently;
When she speaks, wisdom’s spread around
Her depth of compassion, so profound–
She is a woman of valor.
CHORUS
She counts herself vital in the world
And revels in its wonders;
In others she sees the Divine,
Holds on dearly to her lifeline
She is a woman of valor.
CHORUS
Here is a link to the web site, Torah.org, with excerpts from the book I quoted. http://bit.ly/8800Pi
And here is a link to the song lyrics and music that you can listen to from Ritualwell.org http://bit.ly/91HCQf
