beliefs and teachings: the shekinah

Question 1

what does shekinah refer to?

Answer 1

refers to god’s presence in the world

Question 2

what does shekinah literally mean?

Answer 2

“the dwelling”

Question 3

what does jews believe about creation?

Answer 3

god created the world and believe gods continues to work and be present in the world

Question 4

where does the actual word ‘shekinah’ not appear in?

Answer 4

the torah

Question 5

give 5 examples of people being in god’s presence?

Answer 5

1. god reveals himself to adam and eve in the garden
2. god speaking to moses from the burning ash + received the torah at mount sinai
3. holy of holies in the temple in jerusalem was thought to be special place of god’s presence - only the high priest was allowed to enter
4. used to refer to the feminine characteristics of god. gives the idea that god care as just like a mother cares for her children emphasing his compassion and care
5. jews focus on a spiritual connection with the divine presence in worship, prayer, study or doing good

Question 6

why is the shekinah sometimes shown as a cloud which came down to the earth and reached to the jews?

Answer 6

it is said that the shekinah is said to have appeared to moses when god asked him to save the jews from slavery in egypt

Question 7

why is the shekinah important?

Answer 7

it helps jews to understand the greatness of god

Question 8

what were jews worried and why?

Answer 8

worried that people would imagine god to be like a great and powerful human but wanted to avoid of making god human like

Question 9

what does it mean for jews of having a belief in the shekinah?

Answer 9

means that god remains omnipotent as god has power beyond the human world