This week’s Torah portion, Vayeira, tells one of the most powerful stories in the Torah, the moment when G-d tested Abraham by asking him to offer his beloved son, Isaac, as a sacrifice.
Isaac had been born to Abraham and Sarah after many long years of waiting and hoping for a child. He was the child they had prayed for, the one who brought them joy and gave meaning to their lives.
When G-d first called to Abraham, Abraham answered right away with the word “Hineini,” which means “here I am.” With this simple response, Abraham showed that he was ready and willing to do whatever G-d asked of him. He didn’t question or hesitate — he was completely present and devoted.
Later in the story, as Abraham and Isaac climbed the mountain together, Isaac spoke to his father, and once again, Abraham answered, “Hineini,” meaning “here I am.”
It’s interesting that Abraham used the very same word to respond to his son as he did to G-d. This small detail can teach us something important. It shows that Abraham’s attention and care for his son were just as real and deep as his devotion to G-d. Even though he was carrying out G-d’s command, he was still fully there for Isaac, ready to listen, to respond, and to be present as a father.
There’s a lesson in this for us too. Sometimes we can become so busy even with good things, like work, community, or other important lofty tasks, that we can forget to give enough time and attention to our own families. Some might say we’re doing it all for a higher purpose, but in the process, we may overlook those who need us most.
Abraham’s example of saying “Hineini,” reminds us to be truly present, not only for our big responsibilities, but also for the people who rely on us and love us. Being there for our family, our children, and our loved ones is just as much a part of serving G-d as anything else we do.
In Shule this week, we will also be celebrating the Shabbat project. A time to reflect on the gift of Shabbat. Let us utilise this gift of Shabbat, by strengthening our Hineni response to our commitment to our Judaism, to our families and to Am Yisrael.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Zalman and Esty
