The above [question] can be resolved through a broader explanation of the
concept that the revelation that will characterize the Era of Resurrection will
far surpass the revelations of Gan Eden.
Seemingly, [the opposite should be true]. Gan Eden refers to the world
of the souls (where the soul’s perception is not limited by a physical body). In
the Era of Resurrection, by contrast, the souls will [again] be clothed in
bodies. Why then will there be an even greater degree of revelation in the Era
of Resurrection, when souls will be clothed in bodies, than there is in Gan
Eden?
It is true that in the Era of Resurrection, the body will be purified to the
utmost, to the extent that it will resemble the body of [the first man], Adam
HaRishon, ([who was] formed1 by G-d’s own
hands)2 [and whose
refinement was so great] that [he] “obscured the orb of the sun.”3 Indeed, in the
Era of Resurrection, the body will attain a state of perfection greater even
than that of Adam HaRishon.4
[The extreme level of refinement that will characterize the body] can explain
why in the Era of Resurrection, the souls vested in bodies will be fit vessels
to receive a degree of revelation that is higher than the level which is
presently received by souls in an incorporate state [in the spiritual realms].
This, however, does not explain why the revelation in the Era of Resurrection
will be appreciated by souls as they are clothed within bodies. [Seemingly,
since the body restricts the extent of the revelation the soul can perceive, it
would be preferable for the souls to receive these revelations without being
encumbered by the body.]
Even in the Era of Resurrection, when the body will attain a state of
absolute perfection, it will still be a physical body — and the inherent
limitations of a physical entity are greater than that of a spiritual
entity.5
These include the limitations of time and space, characteristics that apply
(primarily) to physical entities.6 Nevertheless, in order for the
soul to be able to receive the revelation of the Era of Resurrection, it must
again be vested within a physical body.
[Indeed, there is a fundamental difference in the approach taken to receive
the revelations of Gan Eden and the approach taken to the revelation that
will characterize the Era of Resurrection]: In order to receive the revelations
of Gan Eden, the soul must first divest itself of [all] material
consciousness. [This implies a departure of the soul from the body, i.e.,
death. Afterwards,] the soul must immerse itself in the River
Dinur,7 in order that it be unable to recall any images
of this world.8
{Similarly, in regard to the subsequent ascents [of the soul] within Gan
Eden itself: As the soul ascends to a higher level, it must forget the
[framework of] reference and the pleasure it experienced on the lower
level.}9
[In contrast to this thrust to ascent,] an opposite movement is necessary
[for the soul] to receive the revelation of the Era of Resurrection. [The soul
descends and] enclothes itself within a physical body.
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