Abstract

This paper is an attempt to offer some answers to questions raised by Jews concerning the belief in reincarnation within the Jewish Tradition. ;The source for these answers are the writings of Rabbi Hayim Vital, the student of Rabbi Isaac Luria, known as the "Holy Lion", in Hebrew, the Ari Hakadosh. ;This study follows the order of Rabbi Hayim Vital, who elaborates on the Ari's doctrine of reincarnation. Following the above order, this study begins with the explanation of the essence and the structure of the human soul, how it parallels the structure of the higher worlds, and points out the interrelations between man on earth and the upper worlds. The above explanation is based on the three new kabbalistic concepts concerning the creation of the world, that the Ari introduced to the Kabbalah: Tzimzum, Shvirat-HaKelim, Tikkun. ;Following this explanation, this study elaborates on the reasons for the reincarnation of the soul; the process of reincarnation; the different kinds of reincarnation--e.g. Ibbur, , a positive one and a negative one ; reincarnation of women and reincarnation in the lower systems of nature. ;In the course of explaining these concepts, this study attempts to delve into the following questions: Is reincarnation a punishment or an opportunity for growth and achieving perfection? What type of transgressions cause reincarnation in the lower forms of nature? ;This study continues with a general review of the development of the doctrine of reincarnation of Jewish Tradition, emphasising the theory from the Zohar, and comparing it with that of the Ari's along with pointing out the similarities and differences between the two. ;This study concludes with a review on the influences of the Ari's doctrine of reincarnation on recent generations, beginning with the development of the Chasidic movement and its philosophy up to the modern Jewish literature and drama in our days