How Do You Spell SHEKHINAH?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈɛkhɪnə] (IPA)

The word "shekhinah" is a Hebrew term that refers to the divine presence of God on Earth. It is spelled with the letters "shin," "kaf," "yod," "nun," and "heh" in Hebrew script, but its pronunciation might be tricky for non-native Hebrew speakers. To help with this, the International Phonetic Alphabet provides us with a transcription that goes like this: /ʃəˈkiːnə/. The stress is on the second syllable, and the "kh" sound is similar to the German "ch" in "Bach."

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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SHEKHINAH Meaning and Definition

  1. Shekhinah is a Hebrew term that is primarily used in Jewish religious and mystical traditions. It refers to the divine presence or the divine feminine aspect of God in Jewish thought. The word "Shekhinah" literally means "dwelling" or "settling" and highlights the belief that God's presence can dwell among or within human beings.

    In Jewish theology, Shekhinah is often associated with the immanence of God, signifying divine presence in the world. It is believed that God's presence can be experienced in prayer, worship, and acts of righteousness. The Shekhinah is sometimes depicted as a comforting and nurturing entity, providing protection and guidance to individuals and the entire Jewish community.

    The divine feminine aspect of Shekhinah complements the traditionally masculine depictions of God in the Hebrew Bible. It is considered to be an aspect of God that manifests as compassion, love, and nurturing qualities. The feminine nature of Shekhinah also symbolizes the maternal presence in creation, emphasizing God's role as a caring and compassionate parent.

    In mystical Jewish traditions, connecting with the Shekhinah is often a goal of spiritual ascent. Through meditation, contemplation, and striving for purity, individuals seek to draw closer to the divine presence and experience the Shekhinah in a profound and intimate way.

    In summary, Shekhinah is a Hebrew term that signifies the divine presence or the divine feminine aspect of God in Jewish theology. It represents God's immanence, compassion, and nurturing qualities, and has a profound significance in Jewish religious and mystical traditions.

Etymology of SHEKHINAH

The word "Shekhinah" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shekhinah" (שְׁכִינָה), which is believed to come from the root word "sh-kh-n" (שכן) meaning "to dwell" or "to reside". In Jewish mysticism, Shekhinah refers to the divine feminine presence or the indwelling presence of God. It is often associated with the notion of God's immanence and represents the way in which God manifests His presence in the physical world.