Choni Hameagel

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==Rain Request==
 
==Rain Request==
Once the entire month of Adar had passed and still no rain came. Messengers were sent to Choni Hamgel asking him to pray for rain.  
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Once the entire month of Adar had passed and still no rain came. Messengers were sent to Choni Hamgel asking him to pray for rain. When Choni prayed and no rain came, he proceeded to draw a large circle in the dust of the ground with his staff. He then stood in middle of the circle and similar to what had been done by the prophet Chavakuk, he swore in Hashem's great name that since his sons had approached him considering him to have inside connections, he would not leave the circle until Hashem had mercy on them and it began to rain.  
  
 
==Family==
 
==Family==

Revision as of 12:16, 28 March 2014

Choni ha-M'agel
Choni ha-M'agel
Hebrew:
חוני המעגל
Meaning:
Choni the circle drawer
Spelling:
Honi haMeagel, Khoni, HaMa'agel, Hamegael
Kever:
Chatzor, Israel
Hillulah:
5th of Iyyar
Description:
Pre Tanaic Jewish sage known for ability to pray for rain, slept for seventy years.

Choni Hameagel was a Jewish Sage living in the 1st century BCE during the leadership of the last three sets of Zugot. When drought came upon the land, Choni drew a circle and vowed he would not step out until Hashem answered his prayers for rain. When his request was answered but Choni kept on redefining it, he was almost placed in excommunication by Shimon ben Shetach, were it not for his special relationship with Hashem.

During the war between the Hasmonean brothers, Choni Hameageal was captured by followers of Hyrcanus who demanded that he pray for the death of their opponent Aristobulus. When Choni refused, they stoned him, leaving him for dead. Choni Hameagel survived the incident and wondered off, soon falling into a deep sleep that lasted 70 years. When Choni awoke, no one believed his story. Not having any Torah scholars of his caliber left to study with, Choni Hameagel asked Hashem to take him away from this world.

Contents

Rain Request

Once the entire month of Adar had passed and still no rain came. Messengers were sent to Choni Hamgel asking him to pray for rain. When Choni prayed and no rain came, he proceeded to draw a large circle in the dust of the ground with his staff. He then stood in middle of the circle and similar to what had been done by the prophet Chavakuk, he swore in Hashem's great name that since his sons had approached him considering him to have inside connections, he would not leave the circle until Hashem had mercy on them and it began to rain.

Family

Choni Hameagel was descendent of the original Choni Hameagel that slept for 70 years throughout the destruction of the First Temple and the following Babylonian exile, awaking just in time to find the first Jews returning to Eretz Yisroel.

Choni Hameagel's had two grandchildren both respected Sages who were also known for their ability to pray for rain. Aba Chilkia was a son of Choni's son and Chanan Hanechba was the son of Choni's daughter.

Kever Choni Hamagel

Choni Hameagel is buried in the city of Chatzor, Northern Israel. His actual grave is in the cave section of the tomb. Since the actual cave is kept locked most of the time, a Tziyun was built in the outside room where people can come and pray. There is an opinion that his two grandchildren Abba Chilkia and Chanan Hanecheba are buried with him in the cave. However most sources disagree and place them either in a cave at the foot of the hill or on top of the nearby mountain. During years of drought, prayers are carried out at Kever Choni Hamagel to beseech Hashem for rain.

Outside the kever is building containing a Kollel, Mikva and boys Cheder.

Hillula of Choni Hamagel

The created Yortzite of of Choni Hameagel is on 5th of Iyyar. on this day Chatzor locals come to the Kever to celebrate the Hillulah.

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