In the first century, Channa is given to her maternal great-uncle Avram to raise.  Avram is known to be a peculiar, perhaps dangerous, man.  His wife Yael cannot speak.  Nevertheless, they are kind to the girl and teach her how to care for sheep. When her absentee stepfather unexpectedly announces her betrothal to a Jerusalem tanner, Channah is forced to leave the only home she knows.