Archive for November 2017

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

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

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

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

Exploring the Controversial Aspects of Shalom Aleichem: Idolatry & Domestic Relations

Exploring the Controversial Aspects of Shalom Aleichem: Idolatry & Domestic Relations

In this provocative article, Atar Hadari explores some of the more controversial aspects of the song “Shalom Aleichem,” explaining why

Shalom Aleichem with Alternating Masculine and Feminine God-Language

Shalom Aleichem with Alternating Masculine and Feminine God-Language

This post presents an alternative version of Shalom Aleichem, where half of the stanzas are written with the traditional masculine God-language, while

“Malachim” Jewish Angel Cards

“Malachim” Jewish Angel Cards

This post introduces “MALACHIM Jewish Angel Cards,” each with an image and blessing, created by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner to be used during

Shalom Aleichem Ceremony for Going on Hospice

Shalom Aleichem Ceremony for Going on Hospice

In this detailed, step-by-step guide, Lisa Sacks outlines a way to transform the difficult experience of going on hospice into

A Shalom Aleichem Poem

A Shalom Aleichem Poem

This original poem by Gila Gevirtz is inspired by the tradition of singing Shalom Aleichem to the ministering angels that

Friday Night: Angels in My House

Friday Night: Angels in My House

In this personal article, Jewish educator Amy Deutsch suggests an original understanding of what type of angels we are welcoming into