The power of Tefilla (prayer)

B"H

With Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year), and the Aseret Y'mei Teshuva (the ten days of repentance) leading up to Yom Kippur (the day of atonement), just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to discuss tefilla (prayer).

Women in the Tora (Jewish bible) are very involved with prayer. Sara, Rivka (Rebecca), Lea and Rahael (Rachel) all used the power of prayer -- Sara, Rivka and Rahael prayed to G-d when they wanted children, Lea prayed to G-d that her sister, Rahael, would have a son. Hanna was married to Elkana who also had Penina as his wife. Penina had many children, but she felt as though Elkana loved Hanna more. So Penina taunted Hanna, making Hanna feel worse.

Hanna prayed fervently to G-d for a son. She even promised that her son would work at the Tabernacle at Shilo. When G-d answered her prayer, she honored her promise and her son Shmuel (Samuel) worked with Eli and became a prophet.

I used Hanna as a design for one of my New Year's cards because of her association with prayer, which is an integral part of the High Holy Days. See this and other designs at: Custom Designed New Year's cards

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.

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