Timeless Torah

Not too long ago, most Jews were familiar with the phrase Sh’chinta B’Galusa. This Aramaic term first introduced in the Zohar and often referred to in Talmudic writings, is translated as, “The Divine presence is in exile.” The inference being, that not only the children of Israel were dispersed and scattered among the nations, so was their Father in heaven.
On Tisha B’Av then, we not only abstain from food and mourn our sad state; we also shed a few tears for G-d. In fact, this knowledge that G-d Himself accompanies us and shares our tribulations makes our burden a little easier to bear.
Yet simply knowing that Hashem allows Himself to be exiled - and we surely appreciate His company - doesn’t make it more comprehensible. Indeed, how can one understand an Omnipotent Creator in a state of exile, which usually indicates powerlessness and being subject to the dictates of others?
The truth is that G-d Himself is never in exile. As the Psalmist declares, “ - The earth and its fullness belong to Hashem.” Imagine that! An entire universe is His stomping grounds: so where could exile possibly be? The explanation is that it is not G-d Himself, rather His Divine Presence, which is not at home.
To explain: No matter how indistinguishable a Jew may choose to be from the surrounding culture, a spark of holiness glows within each of us. We refer to this piece of Divinity within ourselves as our Neshama, our soul. In some of us, like the saintly Tzaddik- this spark is so apparent, it is felt by others. In others, it is so dormant, that the person himself is unaware that he possesses a ‘holy’ energy-pack.
When a Jew lives according to Torah, his Divine spark illuminates every facet of his life. There is no discrepancy between “religious” and “secular”. Then the Divine Presence (connected to that person is not in exile. So, to the extent that a Jew’s heart beats in tune to G-d’s will and his behavior testifies that he is a member of Israel, the Sh’china (Divine Presence) rests upon that person. But if a Jew allows the spark to lose its luster, the Divine Presence becomes hidden not only from outsiders but even to the bearer of the flame. G-d’s presence which should be manifest, is now in exile; powerless, unheard, and unheeded.
This apathy can reach national proportions. And when it does, it means an entire people have banished G-d from their lives. In turn the Holy Land spews forth its children. This causes further doubt and alienation, and a vicious spiritual cycle is born.
Yet hope springs eternal. Since the spark is Divine, it cannot be extinguished. It must survive and one day soon, it must return to its former glory. So too we, the receptacle and abode for G-d’s presence on earth, are assured a ticket on that return ride.