Hineni: We respond to the needs of all Jews

   Hineni (here I am) is a Jewish response associated with profound moments in our history.

   • When G-d called to Abraham and told him to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham responded, “Hineni.” Isaac had the same reply when he asked his father where the sacrifice offering was. When the angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, he again replied, “Hineni.”

   Immediately thereafter, the Almighty blessed Abraham and promised that “All the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your off-spring because you have listened to my voice” (Genesis 22:18).

   • When G-d called to Moses at the burning bush, Moses answered, “Hineni.”Moses accepted G-d’s mission to free the Jews from Egyptian bondage whereupon G-d promised: “For I shall be with you…” (Exodus 3:12).

   • When Hashem called to the prophet Samuel, his answer was “Hineni,” and we are then told that “the Lord was with him” (I Samuel 4:19).

   What is so profound in the reply of hineni that the Almighty repeatedly responded with blessings of divine assistance?

   We can all recall classrooms where our teacher would call our name and we would respond, “Here.” At these times we were saying my body is here, but not much else.

   Hineni represents a sincere commitment to not just physically be there, but a readiness to respond fully and with passion to whatever need is presented.

   It is the spirit of hineni which is so central to the unified Jewish community, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. As a community, we respond to the needs of all Jews.

   When there is a call for help, we answer “hineni” with total caring and devotion. Whether the need is for food, shelter, medical care or to support Jews in Israel or around the world, we respond with zeal.

   It is the spirit of hineni which animates the work of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. It is a willingness to respond as a unified community that allows us to continue to merit the blessings earned by our ancestors who responded “hineni” when they were called upon.

   Steven Baruch, Ph.D., is executive director of the Coalition for Jewish Learning, the education program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.