How are You Preparing for Rosh Hashannah?

We've done shopping, since we must eat festive meals on Rosh Hashannah. And we have freshly picked pomegranates, too.

And for the second time ever, I've attempted to cook lamb. I managed to cut the leg of lamb into two giant pieces, without harming myself. I seasoned and wrapped them in foil. Then I baked them in a hot oven until the entire house smelled "lamby" and fat escaped the wrapping.

My favorite pre-Rosh Hashanah activity is going to Tefilat Chana, Hannah's Prayer at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh.

I joined women, young and old, praying and enjoying the scenery. Of course, for me it was especially easy to get there, since I live in Shiloh.

The main speaker, and only guest speaker this year, was Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi, who was super inspiring as usual. The musical entertainment was the Yonina Duo, a very talented young couple, who encouraged everyone to sing along.

There were stands selling jewelry, clothes, food and Judaica. Also, besides the usual public toilets, there were enough of the "portable chemical" ones, so there weren't long lines at all.

Shiloh Hakeduma, a recognized archaeological site, is open all year, except for Shabbat and Jewish Holidays. There are always special activities on Chanukah and the Intermediate Days of Succot and Passover. I highly recommend visiting. There are attractions for all ages.

Tefilat Chana, 2018, תפילת חנה 5778, Here in Shiloh

Last night was the annual Tefilat Chana תפילת חנה at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh. Thousands attended, mostly high school girls. Over the years, when Tel Shiloh was under different managements, there were other programs called Tefilat Chana תפילת חנה.  I believe that last night's basic program featuring an inspiring talk by Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi followed by female singers was the seventh.

Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh opened for the event from 5pm, and Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi gave her talk at 8pm, so there was plenty of time to walk around, buy food and noshes, jewelry, clothes and various Judaica. And there was also a special prayer program at the site of the Mishkan, Tabernacle.

To be honest, I didn't check out the prayer at the Mishkan, Tabernacle site. I looked at the crafts and jewelry and even bought myself some gorgeous earrings made and designed by Miriam Feyga Bunimovich. She's selling her jewelry and her husband's woodwork in the First Station to day and tomorrow. Hint...

There were other stands with jewelry, but most were the same you'd find anyplace. I was impressed by the practical Judaica, like the covers for Shabbat hotplates. I received one years ago and still use it on Shabbat and Jewish Holidays.

I also met with friends who were attending. The weather was perfect. What surprised me was the amount to attendees who said that it was their first time in Shiloh.

Tefilat Chana is held the week before Rosh Hashanah. Please try to attend next year.

Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tovah

Tefilat Chana, 5777, 2017, Pictures and Videos

Last night was the humongous gathering of women, from young girls to grandmothers and great-grandmothers at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh. Prayers, tours, words of Torah and song. Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi was the featured speaker, and Etti Ankori was the star entertainer.

Let the pictures speak, though they barely give the true spirit of the evening.

Scenes from Tefillat Chana, Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh, 5774

As I had written on Shiloh Musings, I did go to this year's Tefillat Chana at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh. It was beautiful and such a treat for me to see thousands of women of all ages from all over Israel. Teffillat Chana means "Hannah's Prayer."

Hannah's Prayer is in the Bible, 1Samuel 2:1-10.

א  וַתִּתְפַּלֵּל חַנָּה, וַתֹּאמַר, עָלַץ לִבִּי בַּיהוָה, רָמָה קַרְנִי בַּיהוָה; רָחַב פִּי עַל-אוֹיְבַי, כִּי שָׂמַחְתִּי בִּישׁוּעָתֶךָ.	1 And Hannah prayed, and said: my heart exulteth in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in Thy salvation.
ב  אֵין-קָדוֹשׁ כַּיהוָה, כִּי אֵין בִּלְתֶּךָ; וְאֵין צוּר, כֵּאלֹהֵינוּ.	2 There is none holy as the LORD, for there is none beside Thee; neither is there any rock like our God.
ג  אַל-תַּרְבּוּ תְדַבְּרוּ גְּבֹהָה גְבֹהָה, יֵצֵא עָתָק מִפִּיכֶם:  כִּי אֵל דֵּעוֹת יְהוָה, ולא (וְלוֹ) נִתְכְּנוּ עֲלִלוֹת.	3 Multiply not exceeding proud talk; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.
ד  קֶשֶׁת גִּבֹּרִים, חַתִּים; וְנִכְשָׁלִים, אָזְרוּ חָיִל.	4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
ה  שְׂבֵעִים בַּלֶּחֶם נִשְׂכָּרוּ, וּרְעֵבִים חָדֵלּוּ, עַד-עֲקָרָה יָלְדָה שִׁבְעָה, וְרַבַּת בָּנִים אֻמְלָלָה.	5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry have ceased; while the barren hath borne seven, she that had many children hath languished.
ו  יְהוָה, מֵמִית וּמְחַיֶּה; מוֹרִיד שְׁאוֹל, וַיָּעַל.	6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive; He bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
ז  יְהוָה, מוֹרִישׁ וּמַעֲשִׁיר; מַשְׁפִּיל, אַף-מְרוֹמֵם.	7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich; He bringeth low, He also lifteth up.
ח  מֵקִים מֵעָפָר דָּל, מֵאַשְׁפֹּת יָרִים אֶבְיוֹן, לְהוֹשִׁיב עִם-נְדִיבִים, וְכִסֵּא כָבוֹד יַנְחִלֵם:  כִּי לַיהוָה מְצֻקֵי אֶרֶץ, וַיָּשֶׁת עֲלֵיהֶם תֵּבֵל.	8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, He lifteth up the needy from the dung-hill, to make them sit with princes, and inherit the throne of glory; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He hath set the world upon them.
ט  רַגְלֵי חֲסִידָו יִשְׁמֹר, וּרְשָׁעִים בַּחֹשֶׁךְ יִדָּמּוּ:  כִּי-לֹא בְכֹחַ, יִגְבַּר-אִישׁ.	9 He will keep the feet of His holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; for not by strength shall man prevail.
י  יְהוָה יֵחַתּוּ מְרִיבָו, עָלָו בַּשָּׁמַיִם יַרְעֵם--יְהוָה, יָדִין אַפְסֵי-אָרֶץ; וְיִתֶּן-עֹז לְמַלְכּוֹ, וְיָרֵם קֶרֶן מְשִׁיחוֹ.  {פ}	10 They that strive with the LORD shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth; and He will give strength unto His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed. {P}

This is Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving, stating the power of G-d over all, over life and death. She made this prayer after handing her precious, long prayed for son Samuel to Eli the High Priest. Hannah hadn't asked for a son just for selfish, maternal needs. Hannah knew that her son could change the world, transform the anarchic Jewish tribes into a G-d focused People ruled by a king.

Hannah's Prayer was said out-loud in unison led by Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi. This prayer is a reminder that our children are given to us by G-d, and at a time we must let go.

Tefillat Chana is held annually a week before Rosh Hashannah. For more information Shiloh Hakeduma and its features and activities check the site or contact the office,  Email visit@telshilo.org.il  or phone 02-994-4019.