Monday, July 11, 2011

Eshet Chayil Pt 1 Introduction

Eshet Chayil was written by Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon) in honor of his mother. What a great way to honor one's mother. To sit down and write of her accomplishments is probably the biggest honor anyone could have. At that point in time the deeds of that mother become immortal.
It is also sung on Shabbat to honor the women of the household. So not only is she sung to but, also shown an honor to that of a Queen. The Mother of Shlomo HaMelech (King Solomon).
On the Sabbath the women of the house scurry around to prepare this great meal. But not only that but to Honor the Queen of Queens... the Sabbath. She is preparing her family to settle in and learn to rest. She is teaching her home how to worship the Great Divine in quietness. She is teaching her family to humble themselves and recognize who the Creator is. She is teaching them that this is the Day the Divine One gave as a gift.
She is a woman who is honored as a Queen. That is the immortality of the Eshet Chayil.
But what about the woman ho screws up? What about the one who loses her temper and freaks out because the Sabbath is coming quickly?
"Turn off the Lights!"
"Hurry take your showers!"
" Get the Candles ready!"
"What do you mean your not ready! Shabbat waits for no one!"
" Did you shut the computer down?"
And sadly lights late. Sadly broke the Shabbat. Sadly didn't get it all done in time.
What about the one who doesn't observe at all. Is she less a Woman of Valor than the one who does?

What does Valor mean?

val·or noun \ˈva-lər\
Definition of VALOR
: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery


See the woman of Valor has courage not perfection. She is human and she is brave and she works hard
have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

Now we that we have defined what valor is then every woman has the potential to reach it.
through her strength and mind and spirit she works at continuing to be this woman. She will encounter many obstacles and continues with courage. She is not PERFECT and only seeks to perfecting herself to her highest ability.

I tend to be a ghetto Mama. I am the Mama yelling at the last minute and hyperventilating because I only have an 18 minute window. And yes, sometimes I fail. But I am a woman of Valor because I have the Courage to continue to strive and hope that next week will be better. I don't give up. I fight and I hope in this series you too will learn to be a woman of valor and not perfection. A woman of courage and realize that you make mistakes but still continue to get up and try again.
May Hashem Bless You All on your Journey. And Remember You are Worth Far Beyond Rubies!

Far Beyond Rubies

Eshet chayil mi yimtza v'rachok mip'ninim michrah
An accomplished woman, who can find? Her value is far beyond rubies.
Batach bah lev ba'lah v'shalal lo yechsar
Her husband's heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune.
G'malathu tov v'lo ra kol y'mei chayeiha
She does him good and not evil, all the days of her life.
Darshah tzemer ufishtim vata'as b'chefetz kapeiha
She seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands willingly.
Haitah ko'oniyot socher mimerchak tavi lachmah
She is like the merchant ships, she brings her bread from afar.
Vatakom b'od lailah vatiten teref l'vetah v'chok l'na'aroteiha
She arises while it is still night, and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidservants.
Zam'mah sadeh vatikachehu mip'ri chapeiha nat'ah karem
She plans for a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Chagrah v'oz motneiha vat'ametz zro'oteiha
She girds her loins in strength, and makes her arms strong.
Ta'amah ki tov sachrah lo yichbeh balailah nerah
She knows that her merchandise is good. Her candle does not go out at night.
Yadeha shilchah vakishor v'chapeiha tamchu felech
She sets her hands to the distaff, and holds the spindle in her hands.
Kapah parsah le'ani v'yadeiha shil'chah la'evyon
She extends her hands to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.
Lo tira l'vetah mishaleg ki chol betah lavush shanim
She fears not for her household because of snow, because her whole household is warmly dressed.
Marvadim astah lah shesh v'argaman l'vushah
She makes covers for herself, her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Noda bash'arim ba'lah b'shivto im ziknei aretz
Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
Sadin astah vatimkor vachagor natnah lak'na'ani
She makes a cloak and sells it, and she delivers aprons to the merchant.
Oz v'hadar l'vushah vatischak l'yom acharon
Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.
Piha patchah v'chochma v'torat chesed al l'shonah
She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the lesson of kindness is on her tongue.
Tzofi'ah halichot betah v'lechem atzlut lo tochel
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Kamu vaneha vay'ash'ruha ba'lah vay'hal'lah
Her children rise and praise her, her husband lauds her.
Rabot banot asu chayil v'at alit al kulanah
Many women have done worthily, but you surpass them all.
Sheker hachen v'hevel hayofi ishah yir'at Hashem hi tit'halal
Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears God shall be praised.
T'nu lah mip'ri yadeiha vihal'luha vash'arim ma'aseha
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

I am hoping to start a breakdown of the Eshet Chayil for a better understanding of what it is that we must attain for. She is not perfect for there is not a Ruby that is. But she attains her own pefection. Not that of what is stereotyped or forced. But what the Divine brings to her to reach her own perfection. Please realize that the Ancient One did not expet for us to reach perfection because we as human beings are incapable of it because of the flesh we carry. But inner perfection is finding peace wth one self and with the Divine. I hope you enjoy this journey with me.

So What is Wisdom?

wis·dom  –noun
1. the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.
2. scholarly knowledge or learning: the wisdom of the schools.
3. wise sayings or teachings; precepts.


wisdom (ˈwɪzdəm)
— n
1. the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight
2. accumulated knowledge, erudition, or enlightenment
3. archaic a wise saying or wise sayings or teachings
4. obsolete soundness of mind

Welcome

Welcome to Far Beyond Rubies. The Goal of every woman is to be as close to the Eshet Chayil (Woman of Valor) as possible in her own individual way. The time to connect and feel the love of a sisterhood is truly important. May Hashem Bless You All.