Hineini in Our Lives: Learning How to Respond to Others Through 14 Biblical Texts & Personal Stories

Cohen, Norman J. "Hineni in Our Lives", Jewish Lights, 2003. Being There Amos Lassen Hineni is a Hebrew term for being there or the concept of being ready to help not only when the need arises but at any time. This is one of the core concepts of the Jewish religion and Norman J, Cohen uses it as the main theme and focus of his book. Using the classic texts of Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, and Samuel. "Hineni in Our Lives" is a collection of fourteen essays based on places in the Old Testament when the word "hineni" appears. Then fourteen essayists show how from those Biblical moments, we can learn something relevant to our lives. We learn not only about ourselves but about how willing we are to respond to others. The others can be simply other human beings, family members, friends, or G-d> <br /> All of the contributors to the volume or either scholars or spiritual leaders ranging from Alan Dershowitz to Elie Wiesel and they share their personal stories, each one exemplifying on the classic sources. Our responses to others affect us as well ad help not only to shape the present but look to the future. The work is inspiring and, believe me, has something to say to all of us. <br />