Reincarnation: Rejected in Jewish Tradition, But Not by Everyone

The concept of reincarnation — which a large percentage of human beings have believed in for thousands of years–– is most closely identified with Eastern religions and philosophies such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Less known is the fact that Jewish scholars have wrestled with the idea of reincarnation. Though generally rejected in Jewish tradition, reincarnation has been accepted by certain streams of Jewish Orthodoxy — mostly notably by adherents of Kabbalah mystical teachings.
 
Quote: “The kabbalists, on the other hand, do believe in reincarnation. The Zohar [the important 13th-century kabbalistic text] refers to the doctrine in a number of passages (e.g. ii. 94a, 99b). Nahmanides [1194-1270], in his commentary to the Book of Job (Job 33:30), speaks of reincarnation as a great mystery and the key to an understanding of many biblical passages. The later Kabbalah is full of the belief in the transmigration of souls.” — Rabbi Louis Jacobs
 
Sources: MyJewishLearning.com, Wikipedia
 
Read “What Judaism Says About Reincarnation” by Rabbi Louis Jacobs, from MyJewishLearning.com. >>
 
Learn more about reincarnation on Wikipedia. >>
 
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