Hineni-Study
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Remember the
following truth from our beloved Torah!
“Ye
shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER
SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם -
the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2.
However, sadly both the later priests as well as our rabbis of long ago and of today have, and are shamefully disobeying this command of אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם קָדוֹשׁוֹ - ‘Baruch Shem Kadosho’ – ‘Blessed be His Holy Name!’
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
“Hineni” - הִנֵּנִי, a Hebrew word meaning “Here I am”, it appears frequently in the Tanakh. This word carries deep significance, reflecting themes of ‘obedience’, ‘readiness’, and ‘full availability to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’ (God) in our Jewish traditions. In this study, we explore the meaning of “Hineni” in the Tanakh, and its importance in our modern modern spiritual practice.
What Does “Hineni” Really Mean?
The Hebrew term “Hineni” is often translated as “Here I am” in English. However, its meaning actually extends far beyond a simple declaration of presence. In Hebrew, “Hineni” is an expression of ‘complete availability’, a ‘readiness to act’, and a willingness to submit’ to a Divine call. It is a term of humility and openness, often used in the Tanakh to signify a person’s readiness to respond to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s ‘call’ or a significant ‘life-changing moment’.
“Hineni” represents not just a ‘physical presence’ but also ‘’an emotional and ‘spiritual stance’ of ‘attentiveness’, ‘responsiveness’, and ‘commitment’. It is a powerful affirmation of ‘faith’ and ‘devotion’, reflecting a deep trust in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s plan and a readiness to ‘serve’ without ‘hesitation’ or ‘reservation’.
The term “Hineni” derives from the Hebrew root word “הִנֵּה” - hinei, meaning “behold” or “here”.
“Hinei Ma Tov” - הִנֵּה מַה טּוֹב is a Hebrew phrase meaning,. “Behold, how good” it is found in Tehillim - Psalm 133:1, which is shown below, in ‘Hebrew’, ‘Transliteration’ and in ‘English’:
הִנֵּה מַה-טּוֹב, וּמַה-נָּעִים-שֶׁבֶת אַחִים גַּם-יָחַד
“Hinei ma tov uma na’im, shevet achim gam yachad”:
“Behold, how good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”.
This verse celebrates the joy and beauty of unity among our people, particularly within those who are in faith. While “Hinei” in “Hinei ma tov” translates as “behold” or “look,” the word “hineni” shares the same root, emphasizing ‘presence’ and ‘attention’.
When the first-person singular suffix “-ni” is added, it becomes “hineni,” meaning “here I am.” This phrase is an emphatic declaration, indicating not just physical presence but an active state of being ‘fully present’, ‘attentive’, and ‘ready to respond’.
In Hebrew grammar, constructions like this are often used to emphasize a speaker’s willingness or eagerness to act, particularly in response to a call from אֱלֹהִים.
The connection between the two terms lies in their call to attentiveness and awareness “Hineni” represents a personal readiness and responsiveness to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s call, while “Hinei” invites us to ‘behold’ and ‘appreciate the goodness of communal harmony’.
In the Tanakh, “Hineni” is a response frequently given by patriarchs and prophets at critical moments of divine encounter. It is often used to mark the beginning of ‘significant missions’ or ‘revelations’.
In Bereshit - Genesis 22:1: When אֱלֹהִים calls out to Avraham before
commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac, Avraham
responds with “Hineni”. This response reflects Avraham’s absolute obedience and readiness to follow אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s
will, even when faced with an unimaginable demand.
Shemot - Exodus 3:4: Moses’ encounter with אֱלֹהִים at the burning bush is another pivotal moment marked by the use
of “Hineni.” When אֱלֹהִים calls Moses, his “Hineni”
response signifies his willingness to step into a challenging leadership role,
despite his initial fears and doubts about his capabilities.
Yeshayahu - Isaiah 6:8: The prophet Isaiah’s response to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s call, “Here I am, send me!” captures the essence of “Hineni”. Isaiah volunteers himself willingly for a mission of prophecy and leadership, embodying the spirit of readiness and commitment that “Hineni” The explicit Hebrew word “Hineni”, brings forth the concept of complete readiness to serve אֱלֹהִים is evident throughout our texts.
“Hineni” is a profound statement of faith and trust in אֱלֹהִים. It represents a complete submission to divine will, embodying
an ideal relationship between humanity and the Divine. It signifies an attitude
of responsiveness and readiness to engage in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s
work, regardless of the personal cost or sacrifice involved.
In our liturgical tradition, “Hineni” holds a special place, particularly during the High Holy Days. On ‘Yom Kippur’, the “Hineni” prayer is one of the most significant moments of the liturgy.
The “Hineni” prayer is chanted by the cantor at the start of the ‘Musaf service’ on Yom Kippur. The Musaf service is an additional prayer recited on Shabbat, Festivals, and certain holy days in our synagogue services. It commemorates the extra sacrifices (musafim) that were offered in the Temple in Jerusalem on those special days.
The
“Hineni” prayer is a heartfelt plea for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s
mercy and guidance. In this prayer, the cantor stands before the
congregation and, by extension, before אֱלֹהִים, expressing a deep sense of humility and unworthiness to serve
as the community’s representative in prayer. The prayer begins with the words “Hineni he’ani mima’as,”
which translates to “Here I am, poor in deeds”, reflecting the cantor’s
awareness of his human limitations and dependence on אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s
grace.
The
“Hineni” prayer is unique because it combines
personal introspection with communal responsibility. The cantor asks אֱלֹהִים to accept the prayers of the congregation despite his
own unworthiness, symbolizing the idea that every individual, regardless of
their spiritual stature, can stand before אֱלֹהִים and plead for mercy. This reflects
a broader theme in our Hebraic spirituality: the importance of ‘humility’,
‘sincerity’, and a ‘contrite heart’ in approaching אֱלֹהִים. The prayer captures the essence of ‘Yom Kippur’ a
day dedicated to ‘repentance’, ‘reflection’, and ‘renewal’.
The “Hineni” prayer also serves as a reminder of
the use of the term, where figures like Avraham,
Moses, and Isaiah declare their readiness to serve אֱלֹהִים.
In this context, the cantor’s “Hineni” is not
just a declaration of presence but a reaffirmation of the commitment to lead
the community in seeking reconciliation with אֱלֹהִים. It is a moment that calls the congregation to a
collective consciousness of repentance, humility, and the desire to return to אֱלֹהִים with a full heart!
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This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!
Remember
what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via
several of our prophets...
“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you,
saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).
And Remember ...
Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!
אֲנִי יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה
- the
LORD your Eloheichem; walk in My statutes,
and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall
be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem”.
Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
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May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם -
Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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