Question:
Hello,
- Just as there are instances where Hashem’s shechina is present like learning Torah, what are instances that it leaves/or isn’t present.
- And can you please explain what this presence means to us that we can comprehend as humans?
Thank you.
Answer:
Hello,
- Yes, there are situation and circumstances that repel the divine presence, and it will cause it to leave. One example of this is when there is a lack of modesty, such as women dressed inappropriately, or an improper mix of men and women. This causes the divine presence to leave. Another example would be in the vicinity of human waste, or other things that one may not pray in their vicinity.
- Before trying to explain this, we have to understand that it is the divine will that His presence should specifically be hidden. The reason for this is because the purpose of this world is so that man can choose to get close to Hashem, and if His divine presence would be physically seen, it would change the balance, and everyone would choose to get close to Hashem. Can we physically feel the divine presence? I can’t because I am not on the proper level, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. The same way I cannot feel the difference between an area that has cellular reception to one that doesn’t, this does not mean that the electromagnetic waves are not present.
So the question is, what difference does it make if we anyways can not feel it? The answer is a lot. When the divine presence, is with us we are connected to the source of all good, and bounty. Whether it is health, spiritual success, being protected from the myriad harmful things in the world, having our financial needs taken care of, and to having our prayers answered. When one is close to the king and source of all good, it is much more likely that the person will be bestowed with good things, then if one has to send a letter to the secretary of the king. The letter might not get there, and even if it does, the king might not be moved enough to want to help. However, if he sees the situation, he is much more likely to help out.
At present, while we are still in exile, this is one of the main things that we are missing, and that the Jews yearn for. It still exists, however to a much lower level then what it used to be. When the Bais Hamikdash was functioning, the Jews were constantly seeing the divine presence, in the form of a miraculous fire in the shape of a lion, on the holy alter. The fact that the pillar of smoke that rose straight up from the alter would not budge, even when it was very windy. Although there were many sacrifices in the Bais Hamikdash, there were no flies there. When the Jews came to the Bais Hamikdash, there were times that it was so crowded, they literally couldn’t move, however when it came time to prostrate themselves on the floor, there was 6 feet of room for each person, (so no one should hear what the other person was repented for).
May Hashem help us merit seeing the return of the divine presence to the degree that we can all see it and feel it, very soon.
Best wishes
