The passage speaks of the "wings of the Shekhinah" as being the "covering of the blood" of a beast or bird. Now, before you get squeamish, remember that in Jewish thought, blood, or dam, is deeply connected to the nefesh, the soul. According to Deuteronomy 12:23, "...the blood is the soul." So, what’s being covered here isn’t just some gory residue, but the very essence of life.
These wings, we're told, are like the wings of a dove. They are "the wings of precept" which conceal the blood. Why the need for such concealment? Because we want to keep "the brazen dogs" – angels of destruction – from gaining dominion. We also want to prevent "the prosecutors of sin" from recognizing them. Think of it as divine camouflage, protecting the vulnerable soul from forces that would seek to harm it. It’s a powerful image of divine care, isn't it?
And what's covering the blood? Dust. Yes, humble dust. The text alludes to Deuteronomy 32:43, "...and will appease His land, His people." It's a reminder of our earthly origins, our connection to the ground, and perhaps even a hint at the cycle of life and death. The dust becomes a source of appeasement, of healing. It is a covering and a protection.
But there's more. The Tikkunei Zohar goes on to say that the Shekhinah is also involved in the "examination of the indicators," or simanim, of beasts, birds, and even people who are "compared to beasts." This might sound strange, but it refers to discerning the signs of suffering. It brings to mind 1 Samuel 14:34, "...and you will slaughter with ‘this’ – ‘examine like this’," referencing a passage discussed in BT Ḥullin 17b.
Why this "examination"? Because, as the text says, "they are suffering afflictions." It quotes Psalm 44:23: "For Your sake we are killed all the day." These are people who endure hardship, yet "never lapse in prayer." And the Blessed Holy One "examines" them with many afflictions.
It's a challenging idea, isn't it? That God "examines" us through suffering. But perhaps the point isn't that God inflicts suffering, but that God is intimately aware of our suffering. That the Shekhinah, in its compassion, is constantly seeking to understand and alleviate our pain. This reminds us that even in the darkest of times, we are not alone, we are seen, and we are, in a way, protected, our essence shielded from utter devastation.
So, the next time you feel vulnerable or exposed, remember the image of the wings of the Shekhinah, the dove's wings, gently covering the soul, offering protection and solace in a world that can often feel harsh and unforgiving. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of suffering, there is a divine presence watching over us, offering comfort and hope.