The prayer for the state of Israel starts with "Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of the people Israel..."
G-d as Grandparent
There are many anthropomorphisms in the Tanak, but in mystical circles G-d's compassion is symbolized using human characteristics such the 13 strands of G-d's beard. His 13 attributes of mercy. In the High Holidays we say Adonai, El Rachahim, describing Hashem as a loving, giving, patient and forgiving parent. He is merciful and gracious. He also displays Gevurah-severity might. In Hebrew zakan means beard, while elder is zakeu. G-d is depicted as an elderly man with a white beard, a male that shows fatherly characteristics. To most people a grandfather is known as someone who in his wisdom knows how to love. Although G-d should be seen as an old man, he is helpless like a baby. The Maggid Bauxbaum uses this example to communicate that "G-d is helpless (and) needs us to save the world." That is why there is a Sephardic custom to kiss your hand like you kiss the mezuzah after shaking the hand of another Jew.
G-d should be also seen as our beloved
Rebbe Nachman said that G-d should be seen as our beloved. With a passionate love we should approach him. Awe of G-d is separate from the fear of G-d. Love connects you with G-d, there is no guilt and fear with G-d, only a relationship of love and reverence for his might.
G-d as Mother
I have been reading the book Metaphorical Theology by Sallie McFague she writes "Religious language consists of nothing but metaphors and models, and theological language is rife with them." (P.106)
Jewish feminists have questioned traditional G-d-language, people like Rita Gross argue that, "If we do not mean that God is male when we use masculine pronouns and imagery," there should be no objection "to using female imagery and pronouns as well." (Grenn, Connecting With Deity Through a Feminist Metaformic Thealogy)
The Shekhinah in Jewish thought can fulfill the need from feminist to have a "feminine deity or divine principle is necessary if women’s experience is to be included in a religious world view." (McFague, Metaphorical Theology p.156)
At the same time the article Connecting With Deity Through a Feminist Metaformic Thealogy by Deborah J. Grenn, Ph.D. says the following "While the image of the Shekhinah was an important consistent of Kabbalism that gained widespread popularity, it was never incorporated into the liturgy as an accepted counterweight to the masculinity of God."
G-d's feminine attributes
An important thing to remember is that "Since one is not describing God but expressing the quality of a relationship all kinds of metaphors will be appropriate which genuinely reflect some aspect of that relationship.” (McFague, Metaphorical Theology p.166) The book speaks about how G-d’s feminine attributes are described in Israel’s relationship with Hashem thought the Bible, such as the imagery of a mother conceiving, birthing, and breast-feeding his people. Before someone dismisses the claims of the feminist we should think about this as“(Hashem) bears Israel from its conception to old age” like a loving mother. (Tribble, God and the Rhetoric of Sexuality p.19)
Isaiah 44 יְשַׁעְיָהוּ
ב כֹּה-אָמַר יְהוָה עֹשֶׂךָ וְיֹצֶרְךָ מִבֶּטֶן, יַעְזְרֶךָּ: אַל-תִּירָא עַבְדִּי יַעֲקֹב, וִישֻׁרוּן בָּחַרְתִּי בוֹ. 2 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, who will help thee: Fear not, O Jacob My servant, and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
