Question: Why is the Hebrew word for the divine presence - Shechina - feminine?
Dear Rabbi Erkin,
Why is the word for the divine presence which ascended upon Mt. Sinai, the Shekinah, a feminine and not a masculine word in Hebrew? As I read Jewish writings I understand that the Mt. Sinai encounter, under the leadership of Moses, is considered as a betrothal. Thank you for your invitation to ask questions.
Brian
Answer: Dear Brian,
You are correct - one of the many interpretations of the Divine Revelation at Mount Sinai - and the accompanying descent of God's presence, the Shechina - was a form of betrothal.
God, being infinite, is comprised of all valued and attributes that are to be found in this world - including both the male and female characteristics.
It was at the Revelation that the Jewish people were formally solidified as a nation bound to the laws of the Torah.
I know this is but a super brief analysis, but questions of a Kabalistic nature are subject to pages and pages of answers!
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
