Who was the Judge in the time of Chanah?
What was the name of Chana’s husband?
What would Peninah say to Chanah?
What did Chanah promise to Hashem?
Why and what did עלי say to Chanah?
What did Chana respond?
What did עלי then say to her?
What happened after this?
Why did she name him Shmuel?
At what age did she bring Shmuel to עלי?
Why do we read this on Rosh Hashanah?
What can we learn from Chana’s prayer?
Who are some of the other women who did not have children and needed prayer?
What is unique in Chana’s case?
Which new name was used for Hashem by Chanah?
What did Chana have in mind when she called Hashem by this special name? 2 explanations?
What can we learn about our prayer to Hashem?
What happens when you are joyful?
1. The Story of Chana and Elkana
During the period of the judges, specifically when Eli HaKohen—Eli the Kohen—was appointed as the judge of the Jewish people, there lived a man named Elkana. Elkana had two wives, which was permitted in those days: Chana and Penina. Penina was blessed with many children, while Chana had none. Elkana was a pious man who would travel to Shiloh for every holiday, bringing his family along to offer sacrifices and distribute portions to each member. He always gave Chana the best portion, even though she received only one piece since she had no children.
Penina would taunt and tease Chana, making her life miserable by saying hurtful things such as, “You are not as righteous as you pretend to be. Look at all my children; God must not have given you any because you are no good.” Despite Elkana’s efforts to show love and affection to Chana, Penina’s provocations only increased her pain and agony.
2. Chana’s Prayer in Shiloh
After a meal during one of their visits to Shiloh, Chana went to the house of Hashem and poured out her heart in prayer. She cried intensely and made a vow: “Hashem Tzvokos—God of Hosts—if You will listen to the pain of Your maidservant and grant me a righteous son, I will dedicate him to serve You for his entire life.” While praying, her lips moved but no sound was heard.
Eli HaKohen, observing her silent prayer, assumed she was drunk and rebuked her harshly: “Enough being drunk! Sober up!” Chana responded with dignity, explaining that she was not drunk but rather a woman with a bitter heart pouring out her soul before Hashem. Realizing his mistake, Eli blessed her that Hashem should grant her request.
This blessing uplifted Chana’s spirits. She returned home cheerful with Elkana, conceived soon after, and gave birth to a son whom she named Shmuel—a name containing “Kael,” referencing God’s name and also from “Shoal Kael,” meaning she asked him from Hashem.
3. Fulfilling Her Vow: Shmuel’s Dedication
For two years while nursing Shmuel, Chana did not accompany Elkana on his pilgrimages, saying the child was too young. When Shmuel turned two, she brought him to Shiloh and presented him before Eli HaKohen, fulfilling her vow by dedicating him to lifelong service in the house of Hashem.
The first chapter concludes here; in the second chapter (also read on Rosh Hashanah), we find Chana’s beautiful song of thanks and praise for Hashem’s miracle on her behalf. This story is both fascinating and emotionally stirring.
4. Why Read Chana’s Story on Rosh Hashanah?
The question arises: Why do we read this particular story on Rosh Hashanah? The codifiers explain that both Chana and Sarah conceived on Rosh Hashanah; thus we commemorate their miraculous pregnancies by reading these stories on this day. However, beyond this historical connection lies deeper inspiration relevant for our prayers.
On Rosh Hashanah we spend much time in shul praying for health, happiness, nachas—joy from our children—success, blessings—all that we desire for ourselves and our families. The Torah instructs us to read about Chana so we can learn from her prayer how to approach Hashem ourselves—how to pray so that Hashem will listen just as He listened to Chana.
5. The Uniqueness of Chana’s Prayer
What distinguishes Chana’s prayer from others? Throughout Tanakh there are many stories of barren women: Sarah (for whom Avraham prayed), Rivka (for whom both Yitzchak and Rivka prayed but Hashem listened specifically to Yitzchak), Rachel (who asked Yaakov why he did not pray for her). In all these cases it was typically the husband who prayed for his wife.
This is the first time in Tanakh where it is not Elkana praying for his wife—Chana herself prays directly for her own needs. She stands up even when challenged by Eli HaKohen, asserting herself with dignity and faith.
6. The Name “Hashem Tzvokos” – Its Meaning
The Talmud notes an important innovation: Until Chana’s prayer, no one had ever called God by the name Tzvokos. From creation until then God had been called by various names—Hashem, Elokim, Kael. But it was Chana who first addressed Him as Tzvokos. This name is considered one of the seven holy names that may not be erased if written.
What does Tzvokos—Hosts or Armies—mean? According to Rashi on Navi: Hashem has two armies—one above (angels) who do not multiply but live forever; one below (humans) who multiply but are mortal. Chana argued: If I am like those above who do not bear children then let me live forever! But if I am destined to die like those below then grant me children so I may fulfill my purpose in this world.
7. The Parable from the Talmud – Direct Appeal to Hashem
The Talmud offers another perspective through a parable: A king makes a grand feast for his servants while a pauper begs unsuccessfully until he approaches the king directly—and receives bread immediately. Similarly, Chana says: “Hashem Tzvokos—you created countless worlds with endless creations; can’t You grant me just one child?” Her directness exemplifies courage—she bypasses intermediaries (the angels) who may not understand human pain—and appeals straight to Hashem Himself.
This teaches us that sometimes angels or spiritual beings cannot fully grasp human suffering or longing—but when we approach Hashem directly with sincerity and broken hearts He listens compassionately.
8. Lessons for Our Own Prayers on Rosh Hashanah
The story inspires us as we daven on Rosh Hashanah—to follow Chana’s example with courage and persistence in our prayers. We should beseech Hashem wholeheartedly without holding back—praying with tears if needed—and trust that He hears us just as He heard Chana.
Hashem is our loving Father who desires our prayers; when we ask sincerely He responds generously. As we begin a new year wishing each other Kasiva v’Chasima Tova—to be written and sealed for good—may each of us experience blessings in health, happiness, family life, and joy.
The end of Chana’s story teaches another lesson: After praying fervently she left uplifted—with confidence that Hashem heard her—and it was then that blessings materialized. When we finish our prayers with certainty that Hashem loves us and listens attentively—that itself becomes a vessel for all His blessings.
May Hashem bless us all with a year filled only with goodness, happiness, success—and fulfillment of all our heartfelt desires!