Question
What is meant by the “exile” of the Shechina?
Answer
The idea that the Shechina (the Divine Presence) goes into exile with the Jewish people is found in the Talmud (Megillah 29a, in the name of R.Shimon b. Yochai). The “exile” of the Shechina from its “union” with G-d and its longing for reunion is a classical kabbalistic concept.