The Divine Presence (Shekhinah) | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Shekhinah (The Divine Presence)

What is Shekhinah?

Shekhinah refers to “God’s divine presence” in Jewish belief, signifying God’s active role in the world today. The term, derived from a Hebrew word meaning “dwelling” or “settling,” describes God’s presence in specific places. While the word Shekhinah is absent from the Hebrew scriptures, the Torah contains numerous accounts of human encounters with this divine presence:

• In Genesis, the Torah’s first book, God’s presence is evident in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge.
• In Exodus, the second book, God’s presence leads Moses and the Israelites through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.
  • Upon reaching the Promised Land, God commands Moses to construct a tabernacle, a portable temple, to serve as a dwelling place for His presence (Exodus 25:8).
• The Shekhinah is often depicted as a cloud or a pillar of fire, symbolizing God’s glory.
• When God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He directed the building of the tabernacle to maintain His presence among them during their journey.
  • This portable temple ensured the Israelites’ connection with God as they traveled.
• Today, Jewish people believe God’s presence is felt within the synagogue.
  • A light, known as the Ner Tamid, burns continuously in front of the synagogue’s ark, representing God’s eternal presence.

What is the Significance of Shekhinah?

The Shekhinah holds profound importance in Jewish tradition, emphasizing God’s presence in specific locations and practices:

• The Tenakh describes the Shekhinah as present at the Temple, Mount Zion, and Jerusalem, making these places spiritually significant for some Jews.
• When Moses received the Torah, he was enveloped by the Shekhinah, indicating that the Mitzvot (commandments) come directly from God.
• The Shekhinah signifies that God’s presence permeates the world, meaning believers may encounter it at any moment.
• The Shekhinah confirms that the prophets in the Tenakh were divinely inspired, validating the truth of their messages.
• Some Jews believe they can experience God’s presence in three primary ways today:
  • Study: Engaging with Jewish scriptures, either in a Yeshiva or at home, fosters a connection with God.
  • Prayer: The Talmud teaches that God’s presence is felt when ten or more Jews gather for prayer, known as a minyan.
  • Worship: Collective worship, which began with the tabernacle, continues in synagogues today. The Ner Tamid, a perpetual light, symbolizes God’s constant presence.
• Some Jews believe the Shekhinah remains at the Temple, endowing Israel with unique spiritual significance.
• Through the Shekhinah, God’s presence creates a sense of peace and calm, such as when Shabbat candles are lit.