EESH CHAYIL

(A MAN OF VALOR)

Painting, calligraphy, and part of the translation by Naomi Teplow.

18 ¼” x 23” or 15” x 19 1/8”

300 unit limited edition

Content and Symbolism

The central part of the painting shows a scene of peace and prosperity in ancient Israel, representing the Man of Valor both realistically, through "the labour of his hands", and metaphorically, as described in the two Psalms which I chose to represent him.

Realistically, we see the fields and fruit orchards of the Man of Valor, which include shiv’at ha’minim, the seven species of Israel, symbolizing the richness and abundance of the land which he tills. Leaning against the wheat stack are his work implements, among which are a plow and a shovel, alluding to the prophecy of the day of peace when we “shall beat swords into plowshares” (Isaiah 2:4 -- in Hebrew it translates to "shovels"). These tools represent the hard work and the devotion of the Man of Valor to his family and community, recognizing, as in the Woman of Valor, that the work tools of today’s Man of Valor are different only in form, not in essence.

Metaphorically, the Man of Valor is represented by the olive tree “planted by streams of water”. I chose the olive tree because, unlike the fig and the pomegranate, the olive tree's leaves do not wither but stay silvery green all year round. His wife is represented by the “fruitful vine” leaning on the wall on the right side, and their children are represented by the young olive trees "round about the table" which is suggested by the round central text. In the distance looms the city of Jerusalem, whose peace and goodness are described in Psalm 128 as an integral part of his blessing and happiness.

The verses on both sides of the picture represent "the Law (Torah) of the Lord", the values of the Jewish heritage in which the Man of Valor delights and meditates, and the rewards which they bring to him -- the respect and appreciation of his community, and the prosperity, love and happiness of his family.

The Texts

On top of the picture, in Hebrew only:

KI EESH CHAYIL ATAH (FOR A MAN OF VALOR THOU ART ,1 Kings 1, 42)

In the panels above and below the central picture:

Psalm 1:1-3:

Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law does he meditate day and night, and he shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither, and in whatsoever he does he shall prosper.

In the center of the picture:

Psalm 128:

A song of ascents. Happy is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. When thou eatest the labour of thy hands happy shalt thou be and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine in the recesses of thine house, thy children like olive saplings round about thy table. Behold, surely thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless thee out of Zion and see thou the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life, and see the children of thy children, peace be upon Israel.

On top right side of picture:

Proverbs, 20, 7:

The righteous man walks in his integrity, blessed are his children after him.

On top left side of picture:

Ecclesiastes, 9, 9:

Live joyfully with the woman whom thou lovest.

On bottom and middle of right side:

Sayings of the Fathers (Pirkey Avot), 4, 1:

Who is rich? He who rejoices in his lot.

Who is honored? He who honors others.

On bottom and middle of left side:

Ibid:

Who is wise? He who learns from every person.

Who is mighty? He who controls his urges.

On bottom center of picture:

Proverbs, 21, 21:

He who follows righteousness and mercy shall find life, righteousness and honor.