Hineni (Australian youth movement)
Encyclopedia
Hineni Youth and Welfare or Hineni is a Modern Orthodox
, politically active, Zionist
youth movement. Founded in Sydney, Australia
, with centres currently in Sydney
, Melbourne
and Canberra
.
In Sydney, Hineni is the official youth movement of the Central Synagogue. In Melbourne, Hineni is affiliated with and supported by Caulfield Hebrew Congregation, where weekly meetings take place. In Canberra, Hineni is based at the Canberra Jewish Community Centre.
Hineni runs weekly educational meetings for Jewish youth from years 3–12, as well as biannual camps, Israel
year programs, seminars and other communal events.
As an outreach movement, Hineni welcomes participants of all Jewish backgrounds.
•The last senior summer camp, "Camp Essence", attracted approximately 120 members.
• The movement has grown out of Sydney, branching out into Canberra and later to Melbourne.
• The ideology has developed to its current form with three pillars of Modern Orthodoxy, politically active and pluralist Zionism.
• Their acceptance into the Australian Zionist Youth Council has demonstrated the much-deserved recognition of Hineni's important role within the community.
• Membership has increased, with ever-growing attendance at weekly meetings and biannual camps.
• Large groups of high-school graduates have consistently departed to Israel for the year-long 'Shnat' program.
• Shlichim have been sent to the movement from Israel, serving as an inspiration to chanichim and madrichim alike.
political party, nor does it represent a specific political stance. Individuals within Hineni are encouraged to engage
with politics and reach their own personal political opinion.
Hineni’s educational philosophy adopts a politically non-partisan approach concerning Israeli, Australian and
world politics. Madrichim have the responsibility to educate objectively on the complete spectrum of ideological
views, however they are still encouraged to discuss their own personal beliefs. Through this balanced and unbiased
approach, Hineni empowers both Madrichim and Chanichim to develop their own personal political ideology,
which they can share both within and outside the movement.
Jews living in the 21st century we believe that ‘modern’ Zionism is an entity that encompasses active support and
love of Israel. Our youth movement endeavours to express this through:
• Aliya Nimshechet (continuous Aliya)- emigration to the state of Israel, and, upon making Aliya, continuing to uphold Hineni’s ideology and seek to act always towards the betterment of the state of Israel.
• Promoting a balanced, unbiased, Zionist education of Israeli politics encouraging chanichim to reach an informed political opinion.
• Promoting and supporting the Hineni Israel year programmes as an integral part of progression in the movement.
• Supporting charitable Zionist organisations.
• Affiliating with the AZYC, ZYC of NSW and ZYC of Victoria, ACT Jewish community, the Central and Caulfield Synagogues; and to assume rights and obligations resulting therefrom.
• Continued self-education of Israeli current affairs by the madrichim
Moreover, Hineni acknowledges an adaptation of the 2004 Jerusalem Zionist Council’s (35th Zionist Congress)
‘principles of Zionism,’ as relevant and important in understanding and educating about Zionism as it exists post-1948.
According these principles, Zionism is founded on:
Orthodox Halachic system, while responding to, and fully engaging with the modern, secular world. As a result,
Modern Orthodoxy is characterized by the challenges and tensions involved in preserving traditional Jewish belief
and practice while, at the same time, bringing the Torah into contact with the modern world.
The Modern Orthodox Jew allows the principles of Halachic Judaism to be absorbed into his/her life in the secular
world, in line with Rav S.R. Hirsch’s principle of “Torah im Derech Eretz” (Torah with the way of the land). In
fact, Modern Orthodoxy sees engagement with modern culture as beneficial to Judaism and the Jewish people.
However, as the Modern Orthodox Jew immerses him or herself in modern culture, she or he does not compromise his or her
observance of halacha in order to do so.
Modern Orthodoxy believes in the concept of “Torah min HaShamayim” – that the words of the Torah are directly
from G-d – and in the authority of the Oral Law. Modern Orthodoxy also recognizes the dynamism and flexibility
of the Halachic system and is thus open to Halachically-grounded innovation. In fact, Modern Orthodoxy largely
sees this kind of innovation as necessary in the face of new issues that have arisen as a result of Judaism’s contact
with modernity.
Modern Orthodoxy emphasizes the concept of Ahavat Yisrael – the love of all Jews – and the belief that despite
significant differences of opinion with many of our fellow Jews, we all remain part of Am Yisrael.
Modern Orthodox Judaism also believes in the centrality of Eretz Yisrael to the Jewish people and the significance
of the modern Ssate of Israel.
Hineni adopts this philosophy and endorses it within a non-coercive framework. Hineni attempts to use the notion
of ‘Halichally Grounded Innovation’ to ensure all Jewish services and practices are as egalitarian as possible –
where Halacha, not tradition, permits.
At all Hineni functions, events and seminars Madrichim will encourage this ideal and the concept should influence
and guide their behavior especially when acting a dugma ishit.
Shir Hineni (Hineni Anthem)=
Modern Orthodox Judaism
Modern Orthodox Judaism is a movement within Orthodox Judaism that attempts to synthesize Jewish values and the observance of Jewish law, with the secular, modern world....
, politically active, Zionist
Zionism
Zionism is a Jewish political movement that, in its broadest sense, has supported the self-determination of the Jewish people in a sovereign Jewish national homeland. Since the establishment of the State of Israel, the Zionist movement continues primarily to advocate on behalf of the Jewish state...
youth movement. Founded in Sydney, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, with centres currently in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
and Canberra
Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
.
In Sydney, Hineni is the official youth movement of the Central Synagogue. In Melbourne, Hineni is affiliated with and supported by Caulfield Hebrew Congregation, where weekly meetings take place. In Canberra, Hineni is based at the Canberra Jewish Community Centre.
Hineni runs weekly educational meetings for Jewish youth from years 3–12, as well as biannual camps, Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
year programs, seminars and other communal events.
As an outreach movement, Hineni welcomes participants of all Jewish backgrounds.
Characteristics
•Hineni provides informal Jewish education to complement that received in school and the home. It provides a relaxed environment, where chanichim (program participants) forge a solid Jewish identity as well as an Australian one.•The last senior summer camp, "Camp Essence", attracted approximately 120 members.
History
Hineni is a young and dynamic youth movement, albeit with a rich and proud history. Since its establishment as a synagogue youth group in 1974 it has dramatically developed into one of Australia's largest youth movements, defined in its world view and vibrant in its activity:• The movement has grown out of Sydney, branching out into Canberra and later to Melbourne.
• The ideology has developed to its current form with three pillars of Modern Orthodoxy, politically active and pluralist Zionism.
• Their acceptance into the Australian Zionist Youth Council has demonstrated the much-deserved recognition of Hineni's important role within the community.
• Membership has increased, with ever-growing attendance at weekly meetings and biannual camps.
• Large groups of high-school graduates have consistently departed to Israel for the year-long 'Shnat' program.
• Shlichim have been sent to the movement from Israel, serving as an inspiration to chanichim and madrichim alike.
Politically active
Hineni is a politically informed and active youth movement. As a movement, Hineni does not advocate for anypolitical party, nor does it represent a specific political stance. Individuals within Hineni are encouraged to engage
with politics and reach their own personal political opinion.
Hineni’s educational philosophy adopts a politically non-partisan approach concerning Israeli, Australian and
world politics. Madrichim have the responsibility to educate objectively on the complete spectrum of ideological
views, however they are still encouraged to discuss their own personal beliefs. Through this balanced and unbiased
approach, Hineni empowers both Madrichim and Chanichim to develop their own personal political ideology,
which they can share both within and outside the movement.
Pluralist Zionist
Hineni understands Zionism as a ‘dynamic ideology,’ which continues to evolve throughout history. As DiasporaJews living in the 21st century we believe that ‘modern’ Zionism is an entity that encompasses active support and
love of Israel. Our youth movement endeavours to express this through:
• Aliya Nimshechet (continuous Aliya)- emigration to the state of Israel, and, upon making Aliya, continuing to uphold Hineni’s ideology and seek to act always towards the betterment of the state of Israel.
• Promoting a balanced, unbiased, Zionist education of Israeli politics encouraging chanichim to reach an informed political opinion.
• Promoting and supporting the Hineni Israel year programmes as an integral part of progression in the movement.
• Supporting charitable Zionist organisations.
• Affiliating with the AZYC, ZYC of NSW and ZYC of Victoria, ACT Jewish community, the Central and Caulfield Synagogues; and to assume rights and obligations resulting therefrom.
• Continued self-education of Israeli current affairs by the madrichim
Moreover, Hineni acknowledges an adaptation of the 2004 Jerusalem Zionist Council’s (35th Zionist Congress)
‘principles of Zionism,’ as relevant and important in understanding and educating about Zionism as it exists post-1948.
According these principles, Zionism is founded on:
- The unity of the Jewish people, its bond to its biblical and historic homeland Israel, and the centrality of the state of Israel and Jerusalem, its capital, in the life of the nation.
- Aliya to Israel from all countries and the effective integration of all immigrants into Israeli society.
- Strengthening Israel as a Jewish, Zionist and democratic state and shaping it as an exemplary society with a unique moral and spiritual character, marked by mutual respect for the multi-faceted Jewish people, rooted in the vision of the prophets, striving for peace and contributing to the betterment of the world.
- Ensuring the future and the distinctiveness of the Jewish people by furthering Jewish, Hebrew and Zionist education, fostering spiritual and cultural values and teaching Hebrew as the national language.
- Nurturing mutual Jewish responsibility, defending the rights of Jews as individuals and as a nation, representing the national Zionist interests of the Jewish people, and struggling against all manifestations of anti-semitism.
- Settling the country as an expression of practical Zionism. Hineni participants are proud to promote these ideals to themselves as individuals, the movement and the community at large.
Modern Orthodox
The Modern Orthodox Movement is unequivocally committed to the truth, validity and eternal applicability of theOrthodox Halachic system, while responding to, and fully engaging with the modern, secular world. As a result,
Modern Orthodoxy is characterized by the challenges and tensions involved in preserving traditional Jewish belief
and practice while, at the same time, bringing the Torah into contact with the modern world.
The Modern Orthodox Jew allows the principles of Halachic Judaism to be absorbed into his/her life in the secular
world, in line with Rav S.R. Hirsch’s principle of “Torah im Derech Eretz” (Torah with the way of the land). In
fact, Modern Orthodoxy sees engagement with modern culture as beneficial to Judaism and the Jewish people.
However, as the Modern Orthodox Jew immerses him or herself in modern culture, she or he does not compromise his or her
observance of halacha in order to do so.
Modern Orthodoxy believes in the concept of “Torah min HaShamayim” – that the words of the Torah are directly
from G-d – and in the authority of the Oral Law. Modern Orthodoxy also recognizes the dynamism and flexibility
of the Halachic system and is thus open to Halachically-grounded innovation. In fact, Modern Orthodoxy largely
sees this kind of innovation as necessary in the face of new issues that have arisen as a result of Judaism’s contact
with modernity.
Modern Orthodoxy emphasizes the concept of Ahavat Yisrael – the love of all Jews – and the belief that despite
significant differences of opinion with many of our fellow Jews, we all remain part of Am Yisrael.
Modern Orthodox Judaism also believes in the centrality of Eretz Yisrael to the Jewish people and the significance
of the modern Ssate of Israel.
Hineni adopts this philosophy and endorses it within a non-coercive framework. Hineni attempts to use the notion
of ‘Halichally Grounded Innovation’ to ensure all Jewish services and practices are as egalitarian as possible –
where Halacha, not tradition, permits.
At all Hineni functions, events and seminars Madrichim will encourage this ideal and the concept should influence
and guide their behavior especially when acting a dugma ishit.
After Hineni
Hineni encourages its members to participate in a year long "shnat" program, after completing year 12. For the duration of the program the members reside all around Israel and truly experience Israeli life and culture, while fulfilling the role of a Zionist Jew.Shir Hineni (Hineni Anthem)=
| Original Text | Translation to English |
|---|---|
| לחזק ישראל, על פי הנבואה של צדק ושלום, זו תנועה דתית מימין לשמאל, כל עיקרון נחשב כאילו הוא נכון, זו תנועה שויונית הנני בא לקים הלכה ללמד, להדריך, ולתת גם דוגמה הנני זה נוער ישר ועניו הנני זה נוער ציוני והנני זו התנועה שלי הנני זו התנועה שלי מצפון גולן, ובדרום מתחת כל ענן ישראל, המולדת שלי וביום קרוב בעתיד, נהיה צברים בארצנו לתמיד, אנו תנועה ציונית הנני בא לקים ללמד, להדריך, ולתת גם דוגמה הנני זה נוער ישר ועניו הנני זה נוער ציוני והנני זו התנועה שלי הנני זו התנועה שלי |
To strengthen Israel according to the prophetic vision of justice and peace, this is a religious movement. From right to left, each principle considered as if it's correct, this is a movement of equality. Hineni comes to keep Halacha, to teach, to lead, and to set an example. Hineni are youth, honest and humble; Hineni are Zionist youth. Hineni is my youth movement. From Golan, in the north, and in the south, beneath each cloud of Israel, my homeland. And on a day in the near future, we will be sabras in our land forever, we're a Zionist movement. |