Hineni
Hineni (Hebrew: הִנֵּֽנִי) 'Here I am,' is an organization founded in May 1973 by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis to encourage conversion to Orthodox Judaism, a prominent example of the movement known as Ba'al Teshuva. Jungreis addressed large crowds throughout the 70s and 80s, including an early program titled "You Are a Jew" at Madison Square Garden on November 18, 1973,[1] She spoke forcefully against trends of secularization and assimilation that she considered to be "spiritual genocide."
The word 'Hineni' means 'Here I am' in a spiritual sense, which is what Abraham says and means to God to indicate his readiness when he is called on in Genesis 22:1[2] (הִנֵּֽנִי hinnênî).[3]
In 1989, the Hineni Heritage Center opened in New York City. The Center houses a multi-media museum and offers classes in Torah studies, Shabbatons (weekends) and High Holy Days services. They also conduct a singles program. Many of the couples who met through this program attend Hineni's Young Marrieds Seminars and their children participate in Hineni Torah Tots, linking three, and in some cases four generations. At the Hineni Bill and Jill Roberts Outreach Center in Jerusalem, in addition to educational and social programs, guidance and counseling are offered to youth at risk.[3]
External links
- Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis: The Big Apple Rebbetzin Enthralls Audiences Worldwide
- Hineni
- Hineni Youth Movement, Australia
- Hineni Tel Aviv, Israel
References
- ↑ Esther Jungreis, Orthodox Jewish outreach pioneer, dies. Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
- ↑ "And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him: 'Abraham'; and he said: 'Here am I.'" (Genesis 22:1)
- 1 2 http://www.jewishpost.com/jp1003/jpn1003e.htm