Shekhinah in Jewish Religious Literature

Shekhinah (similar to sakinah) means peace which conveys the Divine Prensence in Jewish religious literature. This article first discusses semantic evolution of shekhinah from the time of writing the Talmud by jewish rabbis up to contemporary jewish philosophers. In Talmudic literature, shekhinah often means the face of God and often it is used instead of God Himself. In Hassidism theosophy, shekhinah is identified with Glory of God or kavod (the medium of creation). In Qabbalah, shekhinah is Malkhuth, last sefira in sefirot or Dinvine manifitations which has the especial status and function. Shekhinah presents the womanhood in Divine world and manifests the Divine "self" where the human self rests and resides in peace. Finally, this paper discusses the exile of Shekhinah from her Divine root, which is caused by the sin of Adam and his fall of paradise. Also the various symbols of Shekhinah in Qabbalah and the rituals related to Shekhinah are expressed.