Shekhinah (alternative transliterations Shekinah, Shechinah, Shekina, Shechina, Schechinah, שכינה) is

"I sing in hymns

to enter the gates

of the Field

of holy apples.

"A new table

we prepare for Her,

a lovely candelabrum

sheds its light upon us.

"Between right and left

the Bride approaches,

in holy jewels

and festive garments..."

A paragraph in the Zohar starts: "One must prepare a comfortable seat with several cushions and embroidered covers, from all that is found in the house, like one who prepares a canopy for a bride. For the Shabbat is a queen and a bride. This is why the masters of the Mishna used to go out on the eve of Shabbat to receive her on the road, and used to say: 'Come, O bride, come, O bride!' And one must sing and rejoice at the table in her honor ... one must receive the Lady with many lighted candles, many enjoyments, beautiful clothes, and a house embellished with many fine appointments ..."

The tradition of the Shekhinah as the Shabbat Bride, the Shabbat Hamalka, continues to this day.