The Shechinah, i.e., the holy Divine Presence, dwelt in the Tabernacle that the Children of Israel built in the desert. Our sages tell us that the various vessels and structures that comprised the Tabernacle symbolized various attributes of man. For instance, the outstretched wings of Cherubim represented the lungs of man. The breathing process pours life into a person, which is reflected in the 'spirit of prophecy' which issued from the Cherubim. The ark that housed the Luchos (the ten commandments), symbolized the heart as per the verse, "Write the words of Torah on the panels of your heart." The seven branches of the menorah alluded to the five senses, speech, and thought.
The secret of the Tabernacle's holiness is its likeness of man, i.e., the image of HaShem. In turn, the goodly attributes of man reflect the goodness and sanctity of HaShem.
Axiomatically, the created beings seek their Creator, just as the Creator yearns to draw close to His creations. The more a creation resembles HaShem, the more HaShem reveals Himself to that entity. Of all the creations, the attributes of man, the very image of HaShem, is most like HaShem. Therefore, HaShem reveals Himself to man, as per the verse, "Build for Me a Tabernacle so that I may dwell amongst you,"
The vessels of the Tabernacle were mere representations of man. Nevertheless, these inanimate symbols were powerful enough to draw the Shechinah to dwell amongst them.
How much more so, does man, the living image of HaShem, have the capacity to draw the Divine Presence upon himself. The highest attribute of HaShem is compassion. So too, compassion is the attribute of man that most resembles HaShem. Accordingly, the more compassion and mercy that we show to our fellows, the more the Divine Presence will dwell amongst us.
The Presence of HaShem rested upon our Patriarchs because their hearts and minds overflowed with mercy, kindness, and love. May we shine forth with goodness and compassion. In turn, the Shechinah will dwell upon us and illuminate the entire earth with light and joy.
(Based on Da'as Torah of Rav Yerucham HaLevi)
