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A Silent Prayer

Book of Samuel 1: Chapter 1

Chana, a prophetesses and wife to Elkana was childless. The Tanach tells us she suffered many humiliations at the hands of Peninah (also wife to Elkana) who did have children.

On an annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, Chana poured her heart to God, swaying as she moved her lips in a silent prayer. Upon seeing her, High Priest Eli thought she was drunk. Chana answered "No my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before God." In due time, Chana gave birth to a son and named him Samuel "I have asked him (borrowed him) from God."

Just as Chana's silent prayer confused High Priest Eli, Jewish women today often feel alone and misunderstood when struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss. If you share Chana's silent prayer, we hope you will find some comfort here.

Your prayer may be silent, but you are not alone.