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Shechinah Moment

To have a woman who is black and married to a Jew possibly become President of the United States marks how far we have come as we approach the 250th anniversary of our glorious country. 
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August 1, 2024
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an NCAA championship teams celebration on the South Lawn of the White House on July 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

“You have turned my mourning into dancing,” exclaims the author of Psalm 30. In our most painful moments, it is hard to believe we will get there. The liberated slaves from Egypt stood at the shore of the Sea, finally free, following our beloved Miriam, in song and dance, releasing all the pent-up emotions that filled their souls for so long, something they never could have imagined.

For many Americans, male and female alike, a pall of sadness and sorrow had overtaken their lives these last months. With the existential fear of continuing to lose freedom, something women have already faced since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, so many fell into the depths of despair, feeling their own candidate could not bring it home as he had in 2020. The perception of feebleness vs the brash chest-beating of the Republican candidate, only fed fear that had taken hold amongst members of the Democratic Party.

Yet in one moment, one of exquisite sacrifice and heart-felt generosity, the world turned on a dime. The agony of defeat became the joy of an Olympic champion. All the deep emotional wells were unleashed, and the surge of excitement poured forth overtaking the nation. How exciting to be hopeful once again. To get the endorsement of so many and see the coffers fill to overflowing, just as when the Mishkan, the traveling sanctuary in Torah, was to be built, is a reflection of the N’div Libo, the free will offerings of the hearts of so many at this moment.

What is even more remarkable is the historical juncture we are in. To have a woman who is black and married to a Jew possibly become President of the United States marks how far we have come as we approach the 250th anniversary of our glorious country. 

It is a moment that celebrates the woman, her capabilities, her power, and her overwhelming natural instinct for peace and wholeness. We’ve certainly seen female destructiveness in politics and civil life as well, but the large majority of women who are shaped and formed to give life, protect it, and nurture it, looms large in this world and now is on the cusp of truly impacting the future.

Our own tradition, as reflected in Proverbs 31, speaks of a “Woman of Valor” and her multiple characteristics, from supporting her spouse, nurturing her children, generously caring for her staff and those in need in the community, her skill and remarkable talents, and her devotion and awe of the Holy One. Judaism treasures women, especially good and “godly” ones, whose work at home and in the world is to bring light, uplift, and hope. Our greatest wisdom is reflected in the understanding that the Divine presence in this world is feminine. She, known as the Shechinah, the ever-present Divine consciousness, is who we hold with awe and sublime awareness.

Shechinah represents the lower world, physicality, and is the one that represents Oral Torah, the words of our sages that teach and enlighten. She brings us closer to one another, reflects the deep empathy we have and the capacity to express it. She grounds us in nature, that which surrounds us, bringing comfort and well-being in a world that often feels dangerous and threatening. For the Kabbalist she is the “apple orchard,” that which nourishes and feeds mind, body, and spirit. For the Zohar, the great mystical text, she is the one who accompanies us in our exile, ever since we left the Garden of Eden. She is the one that reminds us that care, love, nurturance and acceptance are critical for society to sustain itself. She is the one who also exerts discernment and appropriate and healthy choices, in order to preserve one’s life and justice for all.

We are in a Shechinah moment. This is a time to celebrate the incredible gifts and values that a powerful and talented woman can bring to our lives and to this country.

We are in a Shechinah moment. This is a time to celebrate the incredible gifts and values that a powerful and talented woman can bring to our lives and to this country. The sheer joy in social media and beyond is refreshing and elating. I for one am grateful to our President for showing us the way to the promised land.


Eva Robbins is a rabbi, cantor, artist and the author of “Spiritual Surgery: A Journey of Healing Mind, Body and Spirit.”

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