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Gate of Reincarnations
The Torah Concept of Reincarnation

Gate of Reincarnations

Introduction

The work, "Shaar HaGilgulim," as the title reveals, is about the Torah concept of reincarnation. Based primarily on the Zohar in Parashat Mishpatim where gilgulim are discussed, it is from the writings of the master Kabbalist, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, zt"l (1534-1572), otherwise known as the 'Arizal.' The book was recorded by his foremost disciple, Rabbi Chaim Vital, zt"l, and amended by Rabbi Shmuel Vital, his son.

As well as outline principles of personal rectification and reincarnation, this work reveals the spiritual roots of many of the great Torah scholars of the past. Furthermore, it often provides vital information about the future in terms of helping one understand the challenges to be expected throughout Jewish history and particularly at the 'End-of-Days.'

Our new annotated English rendition was translated by Rabbi Yitzchak Bar Chaim. We have divided the lengthier of its 42 chapters (in the original called: hakdomot - "Introductions") into a number of sections. The first eleven chapters were edited and annotated by Rabbi Shabtai Teicher of blessed memory, a respected Ari Kabbala scholar in Jerusalem. Chapters 12 - 36 were then edited and annotated by Rabbi Perets Auerbach, a well known teacher of Zohar and Ari, also in Jerusalem.

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From the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author
Rabbi Yitzchak Luria […Ashkenazi ben Shlomo] (5294-5332 = 1534-1572 c.e.); Yahrtzeit (anniversary of death): 5th of Av. Buried in the Old Cemetery of Tzfat. Commonly known as the Ari, an acronym standing for Elo-hi Rabbi Yitzchak, the
G-dly Rabbi Isaac. No other master or sage ever had this extra letter Aleph, standing for Elo-hi [G-dly], prefaced to his name. This was a sign of what his contemporaries thought of him. Later generations, fearful that this appellation might be misunderstood, said that this Aleph stood for Ashkenazi, indicating that his family had originated in Germany, as indeed it had. But the original meaning is the correct one, and to this day among Kabbalists, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria is only referred to as Rabbenu HaAri, HaAri HaKadosh [the holy Ari] or Arizal [the Ari of blessed memory].
Yitzchok bar Chaim is the pseudonym of the translator, an American-born Jerusalem scholar who has studied and taught Kabbala for many years. He may be contacted through: webmaster@kabbalaonline.org. He translated the Ari's work, "Shaar HaGilgulim;" his translation into English (but with much less extensive commentary than offered here). Information about his translation in book form may be obtained through www.thirtysevenbooks.com
Rabbi Chaim Vital c. 5303-5380 (c. 1543-1620 CE), major disciple of R. Isaac (Yitzchak) Luria, and responsible for publication of most of his works.
Rabbi Peretz Auerbach, originally from New York, has been living and learning Torah and kabbala in Jerusalem for 18 years. He teaches at Shvu Ami beit medrash, lectures in Kabbalah and chassidut at the Jerusalem Connection and Heritage House and to private groups. Rabbi Auerbach is also a talented musician. He is currently working on an all new translation of the Zohar into English with extensive commentary as well as a disc entitled "Music, Meditation and Mysticism."

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Jan 5, 2012
tzimtzum self contraction/withdrawl
Since the space is created within infinity, it automatically becomes the center if infinity, since it is surrounded on all directions with infinity.
Posted By Yehuda Yomtov, Brooklyn, NY

Posted: Dec 24, 2011
tzimtzum self contraction/withdrawl
In Etz Chayim it states that G-d had to withdraw, creating a finite space within infinity, in the center of infinity. But infinity has no center point; it is boundless. The finite has a center, the infinite doesn't. Explain this interpretation to me please.
Posted By mark w brady, seattle, wa.
via kabbalaonline.org

Posted: Dec 17, 2011
Bible Language
Where in the Bible does it indicate anything about reincarnation? I have been looking for it but cannot seem to put the verses together to make reincarnation something to look forward to or not.
Posted By Anonymous, Battle Creek, MI
via kabbalaonline.org

Posted: Nov 11, 2009
Shaar HaGilgulim
The English name is "Shaar HaGilgulim", published by "Thrity Seven Books." But it may be out of print, and it does not include the commentary that is on this site.
Posted By R. Yerachmiel Tilles, Tzefat, Israel

Posted: Sep 7, 2009
Shaar HaGilgulim
I'm waiting so much an English edition! Where can I buy it?
Posted By Anonymous, Rome, Italy



 


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Gate of Reincarnations - Introduction
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