This original version of Eishet Chayil was the first song that Israeli musician Ofir Nagar ever performed in front of an audience – at his own wedding! Although he devoted his entire childhood to music, Nagar feared he would never be able to perform live because of his shy, introverted personality. He conquered his stage-fright in order to serenade his bride with this song, and went on to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a professional performer. This song, which begins slow and emotive, switching midway to a fast, upbeat tone, has a strong Mizrahi stylistic influence. All about a man’s search for a woman who possesses the qualities that will make her a wonderful wife and mother, Eishet Chayil is often sung at Jewish weddings. Although serenading one’s wife may seem intimate for such a public forum, men traditionally sing Eishet Chayil to their wives at the Shabbat table in front of their children and guests, so people are quite accustomed to this public display of appreciation.