The concept of reincarnation, known in Jewish mysticism as Gilgoel, represents one of the most profound and complex theological frameworks within the Jewish tradition. Unlike the linear view of existence found in many religious systems, Gilgoel posits a cyclical journey of the soul, where spiritual perfection is achieved through multiple lifetimes. This concept is not merely a belief in the return of the soul, but a structured mechanism of divine justice, spiritual correction, and the fulfillment of divine commandments. The Kabbalistic tradition, particularly through the teachings of the Ari Z”L (1534-1572), provides a detailed taxonomy of souls, explaining how different types of souls interact, how they are created, and how they navigate the challenges of the physical world. This article explores the intricate mechanics of Gilgoel, the specific nature of the soul of a convert (Ger), the historical evolution of the doctrine, and the methods by which individuals seek to process past lives, synthesizing ancient wisdom with contemporary spiritual practices.
The Kabbalistic Taxonomy of Souls
To understand Gilgoel, one must first understand the anatomy of the soul as defined by the Kabbalists. The traditional Jewish view recognizes three primary levels of the soul: Nefesj, Roeach, and Nesjama. However, the teachings of the Ari Z”L introduce a critical fourth category, specifically regarding the soul of a convert (Ger).
In the Kabbalistic framework, the soul of a convert is described as a unique creation. It functions as a vehicle for a damaged Roeach (spirit) in this world, but only under the condition that the Nefesj of the relevant Roeach has already been completed. This specific soul type, the Nefesj of the Ger, serves as an intermediary. It is distinct from the souls of born Jews and the souls of non-Jews. A born Jew possesses a Nefesj and a Nefesj Elokiet (or Nesjama), while a non-Jew possesses only a Nefesj. The convert, however, possesses a unique configuration: the Nefesj of a Ger, a standard Nefesj, and the Nesjomme.
The Nefesj of the Ger is characterized by its lack of Jewish lineage or genealogy. It is created anew to function as an intermediary. When it returns, it has no "owner" in the traditional sense. This soul is compared to property left by a Ger who died without heirs; whoever acquires it, unites with it, and uses it will possess it alongside their own Nefesj forever. The Ari Z”L elaborates in "Gates of Reincarnation," Chapter 7, that this soul is a new creation capable of serving as a vessel for a damaged Roeach.
The influence of a convert's non-Jewish background is significant. The Ari Z”L teaches that this background exerts influence for one or two generations. In some cases, this influence extends into the second and third generations. A prime example is Rabbi Akiva, whose father was a Ger. This lineage explains why Rabbi Akiva did not study Torah in his first 40 years of life and even abhorred it. The residual influence of the non-Jewish soul type delayed his spiritual awakening. This demonstrates that the soul of a convert is not simply a replacement but a complex entity with a specific history and spiritual weight.
The Mechanism and Purpose of Gilgoel
The term Gilgoel refers to the return of souls, or reincarnation. The fundamental purpose of Gilgoel is the spiritual rectification of the soul. For the Jewish soul, the goal is to return as many times as necessary until all 613 commandments (mitswes) of the Torah are fulfilled. The Kabbalistic view suggests that the soul does not achieve perfection in a single lifetime; rather, it cycles through existence to correct specific errors or fulfill specific obligations.
This mechanism is not exclusive to the Jewish people. The RaMBaN teaches that non-Jews also undergo Gilgoel. Their objective is to fulfill the seven Laws of the Children of Noah (Bne Noachidische Wetten). Thus, the entire humanity is subject to this cycle to achieve tikkoen (rectification). The Ari Z”L cites Ijov (Job) as proof of this concept. Ijov was not Jewish, yet he speaks of reincarnation, indicating that the cycle applies universally.
The frequency of reincarnation differs based on the soul's origin. The teachings indicate that a non-Jew reincarnates approximately two-thirds of the time, whereas a Jewish soul returns until its errors are corrected. This distinction highlights the varying spiritual trajectories of different soul types. The process is not random; it is a targeted mechanism for spiritual repair.
Comparative Soul Structures
The following table illustrates the differences in soul composition and reincarnation goals between Jews, non-Jews, and converts (Gerim):
| Soul Type | Primary Components | Reincarnation Goal | Frequency of Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jewish Soul | Nefesj, Nefesj Elokiet/Nesjama | Fulfillment of all 613 Mitzvot | Until errors are corrected |
| Non-Jewish Soul | Nefesj | Fulfillment of the 7 Noahide Laws | Approximately 2/3 of the time |
| Ger (Convert) Soul | Nefesj of a Ger, Nefesj, Nesjomme | Intermediary for damaged Roeach | Varies; influences up to 3 generations |
The Historical Evolution of Reincarnation Teachings
The public understanding of Gilgoel has undergone significant shifts throughout history. In the first half of the 18th century, the teachings of Gilgoel and Kabbalah were restricted to intimate settings, shared only among rabbis and their students. While stories of reincarnation circulated among the Ari Z”L and his followers, the doctrine remained esoteric.
It was the emergence of the Chassidim that brought the concept of Gilgoel into the open. The Chassidic Rebbes began to speak publicly about reincarnation, fundamentally changing the landscape of Jewish mysticism. The Baal Sjem Tov played a pivotal role in this transition. This shift distinguished the role of a Rebbe from that of a Rav or a Rabbi.
A Rav is primarily concerned with cases that must be judged according to Halacha (Jewish law), acting as a jurist and often as a pastoral worker. In contrast, a Rebbe is defined as a spiritual master capable of elevating the inner life of students to a higher spiritual plane. Rebbes do not require formal academic training for this role. A unique belief within this tradition is that the souls of previous Rebbes return within the same family lines. However, a son of a Rebbe may choose to reject his mission. Many Rebbes possess the special gift of reading the previous incarnations of souls, enabling them to guide individuals in their current existence.
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Reincarnation
While Gilgoel is the specific Jewish term, the concept of reincarnation appears across various cultures and religions, often under different names and with varying nuances.
In Hinduism, this phenomenon is called Samsara. Similarly, in Buddhism, the cycle of rebirth is also referred to as Samsara. These traditions share the core belief that the soul (or consciousness) undergoes multiple lives to work through karma and achieve liberation.
The question of belief is deeply personal. While the concept exists for thousands of years, scientific proof remains elusive. The existence of past lives is something individuals must verify through intuition. This subjective nature of the belief system allows for a wide range of interpretations.
The Origin of Non-Jewish Souls
A profound question in Kabbalah concerns the origin of non-Jewish souls and their relationship to the seed of Israel (Bne Jisrael). One theory suggests that the souls of non-Jews originated from the love act between Avraham and Sarah during their childless years. These souls were created through sexual "bonds" or sent down from the treasury of souls. The biblical text in Bereesjiet (Genesis) 11:30 notes that Sarah was barren and had no child. The Kabbalistic interpretation suggests that the remark "Sarah was barren" was not in vain; it implies that these souls were generated in a spiritual sense, even if a physical child was not born. This theory provides a metaphysical link between the souls of non-Jews and the patriarchal lineage.
Methods for Processing Past Lives
In contemporary spiritual practice, there are several methodologies for accessing and processing memories of past lives. These methods range from therapeutic interventions to personal introspection.
Reincarnation Therapy
Reincarnation therapy involves a therapist guiding an individual to revisit other incarnations. These are typically past lives that require attention or need to be completed. The process allows for the resolution of unresolved issues from previous existences.
Kinesiology and Testing
Kinesiology is sometimes used in real-life settings to test for the presence of an unfinished past life that requires processing. However, a disadvantage of this method is that the testing is not always pure or objective. Therefore, it is often recommended to rely on personal intuition rather than external testing alone.
Hypnosis and Meditation
Hypnosis is a recognized tool for accessing past lives. Additionally, past life meditation is a viable method. Tools such as the "Past Lives Completion CD" can assist in this process. A significant advantage of self-guided meditation is that it avoids the risk of "suggestibility" or having past lives "talked into" the individual by an external agent.
Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming offers a direct channel to the subconscious. In this state, one can communicate face-to-face with the unconscious mind. This method allows for a pure insight into past lives, as the individual is directly interacting with their own internal narrative without external interference.
The Role of the Ger Soul in Spiritual Correction
The specific mechanics of the Ger's soul offer a unique case study in the Gilgoel framework. The Nefesj of the Ger is described as an intermediary. It is a new creation that can serve as a vehicle for a damaged Roeach. This soul type is distinct because it lacks a Jewish past or genealogy.
The Zohar clarifies this concept through an analogy involving Moses (Mosje). The text describes Moses going up the mountain amidst a cloud. The cloud is compared to a garment given to Moses, enabling him to ascend the mountain and perceive the divine revelation. This cloud serves as an intermediary between Moses and the revelation on Mount Sinai. Similarly, the Nefesj of the Ger acts as a spiritual garment or vehicle.
The question arises as to why this special interface is created to "contaminate" or affect the reincarnated Roeachot and Nesjamot. The answer lies in the nature of the Ger soul: it has no Jewish history. It is created to function as an intermediary. When it returns, it has no "owner." It is likened to the property of a Ger who dies without heirs. Whoever acquires it and unites with it will possess it alongside their own Nefesj forever.
Theological Implications and Universal Application
The doctrine of Gilgoel extends beyond the Jewish community to encompass all of humanity. The RaMBaN teaches that non-Jews also undergo reincarnation, with the goal of fulfilling the seven Noahide Laws. This universal application suggests that the mechanism of spiritual correction is a fundamental law of the universe, not limited by religious affiliation.
The Ari Z”L (1534-1572) provides the foundational texts for this understanding. He cites Ijov (Job) as evidence, noting that Ijov, who was not Jewish, speaks of reincarnation. This establishes that the cycle of souls is a universal truth. The distinction lies in the frequency and the specific goals: Jewish souls return until all 613 commandments are fulfilled, while non-Jewish souls return approximately two-thirds of the time to fulfill the seven laws of the Children of Noah.
Conclusion
The concept of Gilgoel represents a sophisticated theological system where the soul's journey is not linear but cyclical, designed for spiritual perfection. The Kabbalistic view, particularly through the teachings of the Ari Z”L, delineates the unique structure of the soul of a convert (Ger), distinguishing it from the souls of born Jews and non-Jews. This framework explains why certain individuals, like Rabbi Akiva, may experience delays in their spiritual development due to the lingering influence of a non-Jewish soul type.
The historical evolution of this doctrine, from the esoteric teachings of the Kabbalah to the public proclamations of the Chassidic Rebbes, highlights the transition of Gilgoel from a hidden mystery to a central pillar of spiritual guidance. The Rebbes, acting as spiritual masters, possess the ability to read past incarnations and guide individuals in their current lives.
Beyond Judaism, the concept of reincarnation, known as Samsara in Hinduism and Buddhism, underscores a universal human search for meaning and correction. While scientific proof remains elusive, the belief is sustained through intuition, therapy, and introspection. Methods such as hypnosis, meditation, and lucid dreaming offer pathways to access these past lives, allowing for the processing of unresolved karmic or spiritual issues.
Ultimately, Gilgoel is a mechanism of divine justice and mercy, ensuring that every soul has the opportunity to rectify its errors and fulfill its divine purpose, whether through the 613 commandments for Jews or the seven Noahide laws for non-Jews. The soul of the Ger stands as a testament to the complexity of this system, serving as a unique vessel for spiritual growth and correction.