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3 Apr 2023
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What is the Shekinah and Why is it Important to Jews?
Crystal
@crystalstudys
Connecting with God through the Shekinah
The concept of Shekinah plays a crucial role in how Jews connect with God in their daily lives. Why is Shekhinah important? It provides a framework for experiencing the divine presence through various religious practices.
Study is one of the primary ways Jews believe they can connect with the Shekinah. This can take place in various settings:
- A Yeshiva
- A synagogue
- At home
Worship, which originally centered around the Tabernacle, now focuses on the synagogue. A perpetual light, known as the ner tamid, burns in the synagogue to symbolize God's constant presence.
Vocabulary: Ner tamid - An eternal light that hangs above the ark in a synagogue, symbolizing God's eternal presence.
Prayer is another significant way to experience the Shekinah. The Talmud states that when ten or more Jews are gathered in prayer, God is present. Jews refer to this gathering as a minyan.
Definition: Minyan - A quorum of ten Jewish adults required for certain religious obligations, particularly communal prayer.
Orthodox Jews believe that God's presence can be felt most strongly at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, which is the remaining wall of the ancient Temple. Many Jews travel there to pray.
Highlight: The Western Wall is considered one of the holiest sites in Judaism due to its proximity to the former Holy of Holies in the Temple.
Reform Jews have a more flexible interpretation, believing that they can experience God's presence through prayer anywhere.
Example: Shekinah in Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, is often associated with the feminine aspects of God and is seen as the motherly, nurturing presence of the divine.
Understanding the Shekinah in Judaism
The Shekinah is a fundamental concept in Judaism, representing the divine presence of God in the world. Although the term "Shekinah" does not appear directly in the Hebrew scriptures, it is derived from several descriptions of God's presence among humans in the Torah.
Definition: Shekinah refers to the divine presence or manifestation of God in the physical world.
Jews believe that God continues to work in the world today through His divine presence, known as the Shekinah. This concept is deeply rooted in Jewish history and scriptures.
Example: The Book of Chronicles teaches that when King Solomon dedicated the temple, God's presence came to dwell there.
There are several ways in which Jews experience the Shekinah:
- Prayer
- Study
- Worship
The Torah provides multiple instances of God's presence:
- In Gan Eden when Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Life
- God's presence guiding Moses through the wilderness to the Promised Land
- God instructing Moses to build a Tabernacle, a portable temple, where He could "dwell among them"
Highlight: The concept of Shekinah evolved from the portable Tabernacle to the permanent Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Chronicles.
Different Jewish denominations interpret the Shekinah differently:
- Orthodox Jews refer to Shekinah as a physical presence
- Reform Jews believe the term Shekinah refers to feminine attributes of God, such as caring and loving
Quote: "Whenever ten are gathered for prayer, there the Shekhinah rests" - This Talmudic teaching emphasizes the importance of communal prayer in experiencing the divine presence.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
What is the Shekinah and Why is it Important to Jews?
Crystal
@crystalstudys
The Shekinah represents God's divine presence in Judaism, guiding and dwelling among the Jewish people. It is experienced through prayer, study, and worship, with different interpretations across Jewish denominations.
Connecting with God through the Shekinah
The concept of Shekinah plays a crucial role in how Jews connect with God in their daily lives. Why is Shekhinah important? It provides a framework for experiencing the divine presence through various religious practices.
Study is one of the primary ways Jews believe they can connect with the Shekinah. This can take place in various settings:
- A Yeshiva
- A synagogue
- At home
Worship, which originally centered around the Tabernacle, now focuses on the synagogue. A perpetual light, known as the ner tamid, burns in the synagogue to symbolize God's constant presence.
Vocabulary: Ner tamid - An eternal light that hangs above the ark in a synagogue, symbolizing God's eternal presence.
Prayer is another significant way to experience the Shekinah. The Talmud states that when ten or more Jews are gathered in prayer, God is present. Jews refer to this gathering as a minyan.
Definition: Minyan - A quorum of ten Jewish adults required for certain religious obligations, particularly communal prayer.
Orthodox Jews believe that God's presence can be felt most strongly at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, which is the remaining wall of the ancient Temple. Many Jews travel there to pray.
Highlight: The Western Wall is considered one of the holiest sites in Judaism due to its proximity to the former Holy of Holies in the Temple.
Reform Jews have a more flexible interpretation, believing that they can experience God's presence through prayer anywhere.
Example: Shekinah in Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, is often associated with the feminine aspects of God and is seen as the motherly, nurturing presence of the divine.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding the Shekinah in Judaism
The Shekinah is a fundamental concept in Judaism, representing the divine presence of God in the world. Although the term "Shekinah" does not appear directly in the Hebrew scriptures, it is derived from several descriptions of God's presence among humans in the Torah.
Definition: Shekinah refers to the divine presence or manifestation of God in the physical world.
Jews believe that God continues to work in the world today through His divine presence, known as the Shekinah. This concept is deeply rooted in Jewish history and scriptures.
Example: The Book of Chronicles teaches that when King Solomon dedicated the temple, God's presence came to dwell there.
There are several ways in which Jews experience the Shekinah:
- Prayer
- Study
- Worship
The Torah provides multiple instances of God's presence:
- In Gan Eden when Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Life
- God's presence guiding Moses through the wilderness to the Promised Land
- God instructing Moses to build a Tabernacle, a portable temple, where He could "dwell among them"
Highlight: The concept of Shekinah evolved from the portable Tabernacle to the permanent Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Chronicles.
Different Jewish denominations interpret the Shekinah differently:
- Orthodox Jews refer to Shekinah as a physical presence
- Reform Jews believe the term Shekinah refers to feminine attributes of God, such as caring and loving
Quote: "Whenever ten are gathered for prayer, there the Shekhinah rests" - This Talmudic teaching emphasizes the importance of communal prayer in experiencing the divine presence.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user