The haftarah of first day Rosh Hashanah is the story of Hannah. To recap, Elkanah had two wives: Peninah, who bore him children, and Hannah, who was barren.
Every year, Elkanah and his family journeyed to the Tabernacle at Shiloh. During these pilgrimages, Peninah would taunt Hannah and the pain of her childlessness, combined with Peninah’s cruelty, made Hannah despair.
One year, Hannah found her way to the entrance of the sanctuary. She poured her heart out to God and vowed that if Hashem would grant her a son, she would dedicate him to divine service.
As Hannah prayed ,the High Priest Eli observed her. Mistaking her whispers for drunkenness, he was about to throw her out of the sanctuary. But Hannah explained her situation and Eli when realised his mistake, he blessed her that God might fulfil her request.
