“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it."
Jacob's Dream, Genesis 28:10−32:3
Jacob's Dream, Genesis 28:10−32:3
What does Hineni mean to me?
According to Cantor Linda Hirschhorn, Hineni is about the attitude of the entire person - their emotional and spiritual presence.
In the Bible, each time God calls out to the prophets Abraham and Moses, they answer, Hineni (Hear I am), to signify their fully present readiness to respond.
Throughtout life, I believe their are opportunities to hear - opportunities to be present and open to the possibilty that we have the potential to have a life-changing experience for ourselves or someone else. And that by hearing the call, we might offer some solace and inspiration. But only if we say Hineni הִנֵנִי.
Hineni represents the potential we have to change the world - or our world and people around us - through a decision, resolutuion, and actions.
Hineni represents an readiness and attentiveness. It is rooted in the belief the God is in every moment and every place, in the smallest and biggest things. And that it is up to us to notice, to listen, to see the potential that life offers to serve and to be grateful.
Hineni also represents faith and confidence. When we say Hineni, we proclaim our willingness to overcome fear. To act on faith no matter what the odds and despite our limits.