Introduction to Arjay's Blog
In older Rabbinic usage God's face is called the Shekina (presence) and no distinction between G-d and the Shekina is made. Shekina litteraly means "in-dwelling," namely God in the world - meaning simply G-d's omnipresence and activity in the world.
"Arjay's Blog" will be devoted primarily to an interfaith discussion of the mystical theory and practice of seeking the "face" of G-d - the Shekina, or "presence" of G-d. The evolution of the word Shekina links it with El Shaddai, sometimes translated as God Almighty and also refered to as the God with breasts as it is a nurturing image of a mother goat nursing her young. As "Almighty," it referes to Pneuma Hagion, the Power from on High. By Shekina is also meant Hochma, the Holy "Wisdom" which became the Holy Spirit in Christian usage.
G-d's wisdom is a traditionally feminine image and so Jesus says Wisdom is justified by Her children. She is G-d's creatrix that hovered or brooded over the waters of creation to give them form. She too is mediatrix between G-d and humanity, being the mother of the second birth and giver of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. Thus Jesus says that a blasphemy against the Father or Son shall be forgiven but not against the Holy Spirit for She is the Power that lies behind the "Word;" the reason, the order of manifestation itself.
While such theoretical knowledge is valuable, it is intimacy with the Presence of G-d that brings true understanding, which requires "devekuth" - communion with G-d, which according to Israel Baal Shem (Tov) and Issac Luria is more important than the study of books ... or blog.
Arjay - Dec, 2008
In older Rabbinic usage God's face is called the Shekina (presence) and no distinction between G-d and the Shekina is made. Shekina litteraly means "in-dwelling," namely God in the world - meaning simply G-d's omnipresence and activity in the world.
"Arjay's Blog" will be devoted primarily to an interfaith discussion of the mystical theory and practice of seeking the "face" of G-d - the Shekina, or "presence" of G-d. The evolution of the word Shekina links it with El Shaddai, sometimes translated as God Almighty and also refered to as the God with breasts as it is a nurturing image of a mother goat nursing her young. As "Almighty," it referes to Pneuma Hagion, the Power from on High. By Shekina is also meant Hochma, the Holy "Wisdom" which became the Holy Spirit in Christian usage.
G-d's wisdom is a traditionally feminine image and so Jesus says Wisdom is justified by Her children. She is G-d's creatrix that hovered or brooded over the waters of creation to give them form. She too is mediatrix between G-d and humanity, being the mother of the second birth and giver of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. Thus Jesus says that a blasphemy against the Father or Son shall be forgiven but not against the Holy Spirit for She is the Power that lies behind the "Word;" the reason, the order of manifestation itself.
While such theoretical knowledge is valuable, it is intimacy with the Presence of G-d that brings true understanding, which requires "devekuth" - communion with G-d, which according to Israel Baal Shem (Tov) and Issac Luria is more important than the study of books ... or blog.
Arjay - Dec, 2008
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