The hilltop known today as Nabi Samuel, overlooking Ramallah and Jerusalem, historical Israel and future Palestine, is the site where supposedly the prophet Samuel is buried. This vast compound has been a sacred spot for close to 2000 years, a prayer site for all three monotheistic religions and an ongoing pilgrimage site for many who believe in the healing power of the prophet. Signs lead to a nearby water cistern titled ‘Hannah’s Spring’, where barren women gather to pray for offsprings. “This is the boy I had prayed for” is written by hand, in Hebrew, on the rock.
The massive building sits atop the hill, with a Muslim Minaret leading the eye upwards, was built by the crusaders in the 10th century CE and later converted into a mosque which is still active alongside a synagogue on the lower level. The original name of this hilltop is Mitzpeh, the Overlook, and Samuel’s life and legacy will include this location in future chapters, before becoming his resting place.
This place has personal meaning for me. 30 years ago, as a young Israeli paratrooper, my platoon met here to begin our 30 kilometer march to Jerusalem, where we were sworn, Bible in one hand, gun in the other, to defend our homeland. I haven’t been here since.
I visited again this week, on the threshold of 2023, on a complicated day in Israel’s political reality as the newest and most ultra right and ultra orthodox government was sworn in. I had just returned from the protest in front of the Knesset. Walking through Samuel’s tomb I reflected on what it means to pay attention to radical shifts and changes, esp the subtle ones. Samuel’s career began as he heard the divine call him out to let him know the old corrupt religious regime will soon be replaced by a new order more attuned to people’s needs.
Does it take a prophet - in this case a young boy - to wake up mid-night, hear voices that help get things to change? And/Or is it deep within each of us to discern and activate the thresholds of transformation?
On the cusp of 2023, with our toe into the journey with Samuel - let’s listen to what’s calling. Let’s find out. Shabbat Shalom and Happier, Healthier, Lovingly held 2023.
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Hearing the Threshold