Biblical patriarch Abraham’s famous “hineni” (here I am) is both a physical and spiritual reply. On one level, he is acknowledging that he hears God’s call and is prepared to do God’s service. Indeed, God’s first instruction will be for Abraham to journey to what would be the Land of Israel. Thus, God’s call and Abraham’s response is one of physical presence and geography.
On another level, Abraham’s reply is a spiritual acknowledgment: I am ready for my charge. You have called me, God, and I am able and prepared to heed your voice.
Returning to Milwaukee was, for me, heeding a call, as well. I was born and raised here, and I have deep appreciation of and affection for this city and state. Coming home with my own family, much as I imagine it was for Abraham’s journey to the Land of Israel, brings a sense of belonging.
While I had hoped for years to return to Milwaukee, I never anticipated how many “homes” would be able to welcome me back. I studied as a child at the Milwaukee Jewish Day School, where I am now on the staff, and have the pride and privilege of being a member of its first graduating class in 1980. My journey not only brings me blocks from where I lived in high school but also back to my educational home.
Of course, I also had to be ready spiritually and professionally for this change. And so it is with tremendous honor and humility that I echo Abraham’s hineni. Just as Milwaukee and MJDS helped prepare for my life and my journeys, so, too, I hope and believe that I am ready to help a new generation of Milwaukee Jews prepare to answer the call in their lives.
Rabbi Moishe Steigmann is school rabbi and director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Milwaukee Jewish Day School.
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