Wednesday, January 09, 2008

A Woman of Valor

The service for Jan Schiff yesterday was beautiful. Crowded into the sanctuary at Temple Beth Israel were hundreds of people, mostly Christian. Many police and fire department officials from Sugar Land were there in uniform as well, paying tribute to our friend. Her two adult children gave beautiful presentations about their mother. We all wondered at their ability to do this, and knew how proud Jan would have been of them both.

The rabbi presiding did an excellent job of keeping the mostly Christian crowd included in the traditional Jewish service. He and the cantor both choked up a couple of times, evidencing their own grief.

I was struck by the reading of Proverbs 31. In the translation used by the rabbi, the term is "A Woman of Valor." Isn't that wonderful? Proverbs 31 is often included in memorial services for women, but the translations I have heard use the terms "a capable wife" (NRSV), "a woman of noble character" (NIV) and "a good woman" (The Message). Jan truly was "a woman of valor", who left this world much better than she found it. May we all strive to be Women of Valor.

Thank you for your prayers. We're all still reeling from her loss, but I am confident that her legacy will live on.

3 comments:

Princess of Everything (and then some) said...

I like that too...a Woman of Valor.

Unknown said...

Jody, I'm so sorry for your loss. That is a wonderful translation and sounds just right for your friend.

Lori said...

I have no words today on this. Just ((()))