Although God is believed to be everywhere, there are particular times and places where it is is believed his presence is more strongly felt.
This is Leonard Nimoy who played the Vulcan Mr Spock in Star Trek. He wrote a book on his interpretation of Shekhinah. Here is an interview with him:
When asked to explain the feeling of Shekhinah he stated:
“I think – I hope that most people at one time of another in their lives have a feeling of being in a state of grace for a moment or two, feeling that all has come together for them, that they’re in a sense of harmony, a sense of inner peace, a sense of successful combining of instinct and will and the coincidence of events that makes one feel that you’re in the right place at the right time and doing the right thing.”
WHAT IS IT AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
F – FEMALE
It is often referred to as the female characteristics of God and is referred to as ‘SHE’
S – SHAKAN
Shekhinah derives from the work Shakan which is used throughout the Torah to illustrate God’s dwelling on Earth.
C – CALM
It is believed that Shekhinah creates a sense of calm or peace
E – EARTH – GOD’s DWELLING ON EARTH
Shekhinah derives from the work Shakan which is used throughout the Torah to illustrate God’s dwelling on Earth.
P – PEACE
It is believed that Shekhinah creates a sense of calm or peace
T – TEMPLE
Some Jews believe that Shekhinah never left the Temple and that is why Israel has a special spirituality. Some believe that when the Temple was destroyed Shekhinah followed the Jews into exile.
I – ISRAEL
As the Temple of Solomon was in Israel some believe that Shekhinah still resides there and this is one reason why Israel is so important to Jewish people.
C – CANDLES
God’s presence is often referred to when the Shabbat candles are lit once a week on Shabbat.
This video features some interesting information on the Temple:
RED ZONE
Describe what the Shekhinah is
Explain why the Shekhinah is important
‘Israel is very important to the Shekhinah’ How might a Jewish person respond to this statement?
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