Do Orthodox Jews believe in reincarnation?
Question
Do Orthodox Jews believe in reincarnation?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
Yes. Jews generally believe in reincarnation, known as “gilgul” or “gilgul neshamot.”
Reincarnation is not mentioned in the Torah though some point it the Book of Daniel (12:13) as a possible source for reincarnation, as it says, “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”
There are also teaching that the mitzva of “yibum” has a reincarnation connection. Yibum is the law that when a man dies childless his brother is to marry the widow. The simple reason for the mitzva is in order to perpetuate the name and memory of the deceased. However, the kabbalists teach that when the deceased’s brother marries the widow, the soul of the deceased is reincarnated into the child they produce. The purpose of this reincarnation is to allow the soul to complete its purpose in the world.
Indeed, reincarnation in any form is seen to be an opportunity for the soul of the deceased to fulfill any mitzvot, goals, or missions that it did not fulfill in its lifetime. At times it is viewed as a punishments for the deceased’s sins. For example, someone who was rich, but say, stingy or dishonest, would be reincarnated into a poor person.
Most of our sages throughout history supported the notion is reincarnation with the notable exception of Rabbi Saadia Gaon. Some even explain that R’ Saadia’s did indeed support reincarnation to some extent.
It was the Arial and the kabbalists who really gave the idea the wide acceptance that it enjoys today. In fact, Rabbi Chaim Vital, the primary student of the Arizal compiled a list of biblical figures who were reincarnated. For example, the evil Shechem, who abused Diana is said to have been reincarnated to Zimri, who was killed by Pinchas for his immorality.