Just under 3300 years ago, the Children of Israel, under the leadership of Moses’ disciple Joshua, reached a historic high point as a unified nation. Over the course of seven years, they defeated one Canaanite kingdom after another, securing control over the Land of Israel.
With the land “subdued” (Joshua 18:1), the Ark of the Covenant and its Tabernacle were finally able to be brought to a permanent resting place at Shiloh, in the heart of Samaria! One of the first acts undertaken by Joshua and the Children of Israel after setting up the Tabernacle in Shiloh was the division of the remaining portions of the land. Through a Divine lottery, territories were apportioned to the seven tribes that had not yet received their inheritance.
Immediately thereafter, another Divine lottery assigned forty-eight cities to the Levites, distributed among the tribes and according to their respective families. Upon full realization of this process, God granted the Children of Israel “rest” with nothing lacking (Joshua 21:42), a clear indication that Shiloh’s establishment as the homebase for the Ark and Tabernacle marked a profound sense of national and spiritual completion.
With the land “subdued” (Joshua 18:1), the Ark of the Covenant and its Tabernacle were finally able to be brought to a permanent resting place at Shiloh, in the heart of Samaria!
For more than several centuries thereafter, Shiloh served as the spiritual heart and center of life for the Children of Israel where they made regular pilgrimages to bring offerings, chief among them the annual Passover offering. After their Passover lambs or goats were slaughtered, families gathered on the surrounding hilltops, within sight of the Tabernacle, to partake of their respective Passover offerings.
Archaeological discoveries of nearby ritual baths and countless shards of pottery on the surrounding hilltops of the plateau where the Tabernacle stood, bear witness to these pilgrimages. Together, these remains quietly testify to the immense importance and sanctity that Shiloh has held for the People of Israel to this day! Please help provide food for families in Samaria with your generous donation today!
Help a Needy Family in Samaria
Several years ago, Joel and Yael were thriving. Joel ran a successful business and provided lovingly for his wife and their six children. Life was stable and fulfilling.
Then came the brutal terrorist attacks of October 7th. Joel was immediately called up for reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces, where he served for more than 400 consecutive days.
As an independent entrepreneur and away from work for so long, Joel lost his clients, and consequently, his business collapsed. Within months, Joel and his family were struggling just to survive. Half a year later, with no steady income, they reached financial rock bottom.
Crushed by the state of poverty they now find themselves in, Joel and Yael have been unable to provide their children with a celebratory Passover Seder and holiday in over two years.
“Three years ago, we had everything we needed, and we were able to give to others,” Yael said with tears streaming down her face. “Now we have nothing, not even enough to give our children.”
This spring, YOU can play a pivotal role in uplifting and encouraging Joel and Yael, as they aim to rebuild themselves financially, by gifting them and their six children a most joyful Passover Seder and holiday! By supporting initiatives in Judea and Samaria such as the Samaria Family Assistance Program, YOU are ensuring that struggling families such as Joel, Yael and their six children can joyfully and properly celebrate the Passover holiday! Please help provide food for families in Samaria with your generous donation today!