[Tzfat]

References to the Shekinah predate the Talmud. Shekinah is indeed a femine word, but the Sages of Israel used the masculine/femine construct in a manner of balance, not in the human reckoning which is related to procreation.

Just because there are similarities in ancient religions, does not mean a common point, or borrowing. There have always been counterfeits. A case in point: circumcision was practiced by the Egyptians. "Scholars" have tried to use this to prove that Israel adopted the practice from their time in slavery. Ironically, those same "scholars" would know nothing of Israel in Egypt apart from the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible). So, we should ask such "scholars" if you are going to take the Torah's word for one thing, why not believe it all?

[MurrietaMadman]

References to the Shekinah predate the Talmud.

Certainly by now you have recognized the level of my Hebrew scholarship. I appreciate your input.

Anything that predates the Talmud has to be ok by me.

The concern that started my Sheckinah search was based on learning that the term was being used in an occultic sense by various church groups that appear intent on improving Christianity without the proper authorization.

The search I made lead me to what appearss to be a Talmudic derivitive of a Chaldean religion. I'm not blaming the Jewish people for that anymore than I blame the people who vote for any Republican believing it to be a means to returning to the good old days.