זוהר שמות — דף יד ע”א

The Knesset Yisrael is “black” from exile but beautiful through her deeds. Rabbi Shimon teaches that Israel wishes that when the Holy One withdraws, He depart like a gazelle that turns its head back toward the place it left. This expresses hope that He never fully abandons them. The gazelle sleeps with one eye open, alluding to “the guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.” Rabbi Hiyya the Great hears these teachings from behind the curtain in Rabbi Shimon's house and understands that the Shekhinah is outside.