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Midrash Eishet Hayil

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When angels questioned women's virtue after Eve's transgression, ancient rabbis crafted a powerful response through their interpretation of Eishet Hayil (Proverbs 31:10-31), transforming this alphabetical acrostic poem into a defense of biblical womanhood. Through analysis of manuscript versions preserved across multiple textual contexts - including Midrash Mishle appendices, independent texts, and larger compilations - this research reveals how rabbinic exegesis systematically allegorized each verse to represent specific biblical heroines, from Noah's wife through Esther. The methodology focuses on textual analysis of manuscripts, particularly drawing from an introduction in Midrash Mishle and body text quoted in Midrash Haggadol to Genesis. By mapping generic praise of feminine ideals onto concrete historical exemplars, the midrash demonstrates women's righteous contributions throughout biblical history. This interpretive tradition represents a significant rabbinic effort to rehabilitate women's reputation in biblical narrative, countering negative stereotypes by highlighting female figures as embodiments of virtue and divine purpose.

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    Published 1986

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