A Woman of Valor

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.

In both May and June we celebrate two holidays dedicated to parents: Mother’s Day in May, and Father’s Day in June.

However, perhaps, we should concentrate on Mother’s Day. Not because they deserve more attention, but because they are the dreamers and the toilers in the never-ending process of growth and development. Father’s start the chain of events leading to our birth, but Mother’s nurture and sustain us as we grow into parents ourselves.

In the Book of Proverbs we are taught the beauty and value of women and their indispensable role in the conduct of creation. “A woman of valor, who can find? She is more precious than fine pearls. Her husband trusts in her, and so he lacks nothing. She does him good, never harm, all the days of her life. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband sings her praises. She speaks with wisdom; the law of kindness is on her lips.”

So central to life’s values, people of all faiths have always recognized that women were not inferior but rather equals in completing the task given us by God. Scripture is filled with the exploits of women who have been in the forefront of faith-based activities which included social justice and conscience.

But perhaps the most significant role is that of a mother. She played with us when we were young, nurtured us during times of trouble. She is a calmer of fears, compassionate, understanding with unconditional love.

We watch her grow old and become bent, but her children, well, they are tall and strong and had courage beyond their beliefs because of her fortitude and example. Her lips are always filled with encouragement.

Sometimes it is painful for us to remember our mothers who are no more because we knew, as the journey concluded, that she realized the end was better than the beginning because her children walked with dignity and pride as a testament to her love and caring.

Sometimes we wish that if we could only see her once more or touch her brow with a kiss, we would feel more comfortable and safe. Well, we do have that moment and it is called memory and because of memory she remains a living presence.

The Book of Proverbs said it best and all we can do is echo those hallowed words as we pay tribute to the past and the savor the time we still have with our mother here and now.

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she faces the future cheerfully. She reaches out to those in need, and extends her hands to the poor. Many daughters have done valiantly, but she excels them all.”

Remember, you can find all this in her smile, her laughter, in every tear drop she sheds watching her children grow and their children as well. She was our first love, our best friend, and we can never be separated from her – not even in death.