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in Hebrew means "the act of dwelling," but takes on feminine aspects. The Shekinah of Yahweh took on physical feminine form.

One tradition claimed that Shekinah (perhaps as Astera) had always dwelt among her people, but that their sins had drove her away and into Heaven. But, being the good mother, she came back time and again to try and save them from themselves. Shekinah became so real to the people that she appeared in physical form in two major synagogues.

As the Jews journeyed so did Shekinah. Sightings of her were said to have occurred in Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland and Russia. She took care of the sick, the poor, and those who repented their sins. The Shekhina was also known to kiss and release the souls of the those who were perfectly pure and free from sin. Only six people had this honor; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron and Miriam. They could not be taken by the Angel of Death because of their perfect purity. Some link Shekinah and Moses together, as it was Shekinah who released and carried the soul of Moses to it's final resting place.

The feminine spirit of Shekinah still lives on every Saturday as Shabbot Hamalka, the Queen Bride of God. The Sabbath candles are lit, any by tradition, they must always be lit by a woman.

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