Shekinah

In Hebrew and Jewish theology, "Shekinah" (Hebrew: שְׁכִינָה) refers to the divine presence or glory of God, often associated with the feminine aspect of God, and literally means "dwelling" or "abode".

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Meaning and Origins:
The word "Shekhinah" comes from the Hebrew root "š-k-n," meaning "to settle, inhabit, or dwell".

Concept:
It represents the localized presence of God, his manifestation within the world, and is often linked to the tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem, places considered as the divine dwelling place.

The feminine aspect
Shekhinah is also interpreted as a feminine aspect of God, representing the nurturer, protector and compassionate one.

Rabbinic Literature:
The Shekhinah is a concept frequently used in post-biblical Jewish writings like the Talmud, Midrash, and Targums (interpretive Aramaic translations of the Old Testament).

Connection to Kabbalah:
In the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah, Shekhinah is seen as a divine female entity, or the "Earth Mother".

Biblical Absence:
While the word "Shekhinah" itself isn't in the Hebrew Bible, the concept is found in passages about God dwelling among the Israelites, especially in the context of the tabernacle.

Examples in Scripture:
For example, Exodus 40:34 describes God's glory filling the tabernacle: "Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of the Lord, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle".

Other Interpretations:
The concept of Shekhinah is also used to describe the divine light, radiance or splendor of God.