I have heard that G-d is both feminine and masculine. That He is mostly referred to as "He" , in the masculine form because like women in the Torah, they are even barely discussed for reasons of modesty, I guess. So I hear that it is like that with G-d's feminine side as well, that it is barely mentioned, yet it exists.

The Shekina is the feminine aspect of G-d that dwells here on earth. And sometimes it is referred to as the "holy spirit." Am I correct?


I have also heard that you can send the Shekina into exile.

quote:

Originally posted by Raybin:
I have heard that G-d is both feminine and masculine. That He is mostly referred to as "He" , in the masculine form because like women in the Torah, they are even barely discussed for reasons of modesty, I guess. So I hear that it is like that with G-d's feminine side as well, that it is barely mentioned, yet it exists.

The Shekina is the feminine aspect of G-d that dwells here on earth. And sometimes it is referred to as the "holy spirit." Am I correct?


I have also heard that you can send the Shekina into exile.

Raybin,

Let us look at this from another angle (sort of like the 7 blind men and the elephant).

Men and Women were created in the image of G-d. That means that each reflects attributes in which G-d interacts with the world. This, I believe (but don't know to be a fact) is what is meant by the expression "Shimcha" "Your names". Names of G-d describe the ways that Hashem interacts with the world.

Many of the ways that Hashem interacts with the world is reflected in Man. For instance "HaGibor" "The Mighty" or "HaMelech" "The King" (The root of the word "Melech" is "Molach" "To Rule over"). These attributes are found predominantly in men.

The female word "Shechina" "Divine Presence" is from the word "Shachein" "To Dwell" or "Shukan" "To be housed" (according to my understanding). The building of the house is primarily the accomplishment of Women (sorry guys).

There is a difference of opinion amongst the Poskim if when davening one should be relating to the attributes of G-d that are reflected by women or the attributes that are reflected by men. Thus the Ashkinazik and Sefardik siddurim differ in congregant; the Sefardim referring to the Shechina and the Askinazim I guess to Malchus.

With this in mind we can learn to appreciate the greatness of both men and women (In contrast to Feminism - Yimach Shima). Both reflect the greatness of Hashem. You want to understand and draw close to Hashem? Study the Maalot of both sexes and you'll understand how to relate to Hashem. They are both created in G-d's image.

Hope this helps.

-Magedman