The Shekinah Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the Shekinah?
The divine presence of God in the world.
How do Rabbis use the term Shekinah?
They refer to any form of contact humans may have with God.
What are some biblical examples of the Shekinah?
The burning bush in Exodus and the cloud on Mt Sinai when Moses receives the Torah.
What does God command Moses to build?
A tabernacle, known as ‘the ark of the covenant’, where God will be present.
In what ways can the Shekinah be encountered today?
Through worship, study, and prayer.
How is God present in worship?
In the synagogue through the Torah and Ner Tamid.
How is God present in study?
Through the words of the Torah.
How is the Shekinah present during prayer?
When a minyan (group of 10) prays.
What is the Orthodox view on a minyan?
Only men can make up a minyan.
What is the Reform view on a minyan?
Women can make up a minyan.
What is the Shekinah?
The divine presence of God in the world.
What did Maimonides say about the Shekinah?
It is a light created to be a link between God and the world.
How is the Shekinah viewed in relation to God’s transcendence?
It is an expression for the ways God relates to the world.
What does the feminine nature of the word Shekinah represent?
It can represent the motherly qualities of God.
What is the significance of the Shekinah in Jewish mysticism?
It is called the gateway to higher consciousness, bringing followers into God’s presence.
Why is the Shekinah important?
It serves as a reminder of the power of God.
What does the presence of God at Sinai signify?
It shows that the Torah comes from God.
How does the Shekinah deepen the connection of Jews to God?
It shows Jews that God is still with them today.
Why is the Temple in Jerusalem special in relation to the Shekinah?
The tabernacle was placed there.
What is the English translation of the TANAKH?
The TANAKH is translated as the Hebrew Bible.
What is the Talmud?
The Talmud is a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, comprising the Mishnah and the Gemara.
What does Exodus 33:14 say?
“My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.”
How does God’s presence appear to Moses in Exodus?
God’s presence appears as the burning bush and as a pillar of cloud and fire.
What does God instruct Moses to build?
God instructs Moses to build a tabernacle where God can ‘dwell’ among his people.
(Exodus 25)
