Specifically, the Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, a foundational text of Kabbalah, speaks of Israel as the "feet of the Shekhinah."
Now, what’s the Shekhinah? Imagine the Divine Presence, not as some distant, unreachable force, but as an immanent, feminine aspect of God dwelling among us. The Shekhinah is often described as the divine indwelling, the aspect of God that is closest and most accessible to us.
And we, the people of Israel, are Her feet. What does that even mean?
The Tikkunei Zohar beautifully paints a picture of shared destiny. It says, "Worthy are Israel… to rise-up with Her, whether in comfort or in trouble." Think about feet for a moment. They carry the body, they move it forward, they bear the weight. In this metaphor, we, through our actions and devotion, support and elevate the Divine Presence in the world. It's a powerful image of interdependence.
And it gets even more poignant when we consider Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, also known as the "Day of Judgement." The Tikkunei Zohar tells us that on this day, the Shekhinah "stands with them [Israel] for judgement, for they stand Her up with their prayers."
Isn't that a stunning image? Our prayers literally uplift the Divine Presence, enabling Her to intercede on our behalf. It's a radical idea, suggesting that we have a direct impact on the divine realm through our spiritual practices.
The text then quotes Proverbs 6:22: "In your walking it will guide you, in your lying-down it will watch over you, and in your waking-up it is your conversation..." This verse beautifully encapsulates the constant, unwavering presence of the Shekhinah in our lives. Whether we are active or at rest, awake or asleep, the Divine Presence is with us, guiding, protecting, and listening.
So, what does all this mean for us today?
Perhaps it's a reminder that our actions matter. That even the smallest acts of kindness, the simplest prayers, can have a profound impact on the world around us and on the Divine Presence itself. It's an invitation to live with intention, knowing that we are not just individuals, but integral parts of something much larger, something sacred. We are, in a sense, co-creators, partners with the Divine in bringing more light and goodness into the world. And that, my friends, is a truly awesome responsibility and a profound privilege.