כבוד ה 'עליך נגלה
Kavod Hashem alayich niglah
The Glory of Hashem shone upon you
Kavod is (for the most part) translated as honor, esteem. Its deeper meaning (especially in reference to Hashem) is glory – a term which refers to inherent value and dignity. It expresses the spirit, attitude, and atmosphere vis-a-vis something. This is the idea behind the concept of kavod habriyos (the honor of people) which is defined as human dignity. Chazal (Berachos 19b) teach gadol kavod habriyos, “Great is human dignity, for it overrides a prohibative command of the Torah.”
When we say that the kavod, glory, has departed from Yisrael, it refers not to its disgrace, humiliation and degradation to which we have been subjected in exile. While we have certainly suffered unimaginable physical and spiritual destruction, it is the constant emotional and spiritual devastation which accompany us in exile that have a pernicious effect on our psyche. Physical pain and suffering ultimately go away, but emotional and spiritual trauma leave a lasting effect on our essence. This is the tragic condition of a nation in exile. However, when we begin to awaken, revive and shake the depression that have set in over the years, when we realize who and what are heaping scorn and derision, we begin to reflect on our lineage and extraordinary history- The Glory of Hashem begins to shine.
