IN PRAISE OF A WOMAN
AWOMAN
of valor, seek her out;
she is to be valued above rubies.
She opens her hand to those in need
and extends her help to the poor.
Adorned with strength and dignity,
she faces the future cheerfully.
Her speech is wise; the law of kindness is on her lips.
Those who love her rise up with praise and call her
blessed:
“Many have done well, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive and beauty short-lived,
but a woman loyal to God has truly earned praise.
Honor her for all of her offerings;
her life proclaims her praise.
A woman of valor . . . from Proverbs 31
My friend's comment was 'I love it. It’s so much nicer than the standard translation'.
It is, in fact, a shortened version. Some parts of the original don't go down so well for a modern, equality-minded family. And I'm sure there is an element of 'thanks for the lovely meal you have made yet again', though it never does any harm to show appreciation! But equality is a key principal of Progressive Judaism, so, instead of leaving the prayer out for balance, we have included Psalm 112, which the wife can say in praise of her husband:
IN PRAISE OF A MAN
BLESSED
is the man who reveres the Eternal One,
who greatly delights in God’s commandments!
His descendants will be honored in the land
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
His household prospers, and his righteousness endures
forever.
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
for the one who is gracious, compassionate and just.
He is not afraid of evil tidings;
his mind is firm, trusting in God.
His heart is steady, he will not be afraid.
He has distributed freely,
he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever;
his life is exalted in honor.
Blessed is the man . . .
from Psalm
112
From Siddur Mishkan T’filah, © CCAR page 120
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