I have thought of this story often, the story of Moses' wet
nurse/mother as well. I imagine that these mothers who knew they had to
give their baby's up upon weaning nursed them as long as they could
possibly get away with.
The story of Hannah and Samuel also shows a very supportive father. He
encourages them to stay home for as long as Hannah thinks is necessary.
I used this and a couple of other weaning stories in the Bible as part
of a weaning "ceremony" for my son a few years ago.

Happy New Year to all.

Naomi
On Tuesday, Dec 30, 2003, at 22:51 US/Eastern, Automatic digest
processor wrote:

>  I wondered how
> many in the congregation perceived the full significance of Hannah's
> saying she would wait till Samuel weaned before taking him to the
> temple
> to dedicate him to lifelong service in the temple, leaving him there
> with
> Eli.
>
> Had to have reached at least the age of reason (7 y.o.) don't you
> think?
--------------------------------
Naomi Bar-Yam Ph.D.
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Researcher, Writer, Educator
in Maternal and Child Health
--------------------------------

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