The Duality of Divine Presence: Exploring the Dark Schechina in Jewish Mystical Thought and Post-Holocaust Theology
Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology April 30, 2025 Julian Ungar-Sargon
The paper examines the concept of the dark side of the Schechina (Divine Presence) in Jewish mystical thought and its role in post-Holocaust theology. It traces this idea from rabbinic literature through medieval Kabbalah to Hasidic texts, noting parallels with the Hindu goddess Kali. The argument shows how modern theological discourse reimagines the relationship between human suffering and divine pathos, using the darker aspects of the feminine divine to address theodicy questions raised by the Holocaust. This reconceptualization departs from traditional theodicy by acknowledging both human and divine responsibility for evil while maintaining a monotheistic worldview.