(Sefer HaMaamarim Meluket IV, p. 177ff)

By the Grace of G‑d

Shabbos Parshas Acharei,
Mevorchim HaChodesh Iyar, 5733

“Every Jew has a share in the World to Come.” Mishnah, Sanhedrin, 10:1.

In this mishnah, the term “the World to Come” refers to the Era of Resurrection,2 as indicated by the continuation of the mishnah which states, “And these individuals do not have a portion in the World to Come: He who denies that the concept of the resurrec­tion has a source in the Torah.”

Why is such a person not granted [a portion in the World to Come]? Because, as the Gemara goes on to explain:3 “He denied the resurrection of the dead; he therefore will not have a share in this resurrection — measure for measure.”

Thus [the Era of Resurrection] is the intent in the expression “Every Jew has a share in the World to Come.” [Indeed, there is also no alternative to this explanation. In other contexts, the term “the World to Come” is used to refer to] Gan Eden, [the Garden of Eden, the abode of the souls in the spiritual realms.4 We cannot say that every Jew has a share in Gan Eden, for entry to Gan Eden is restricted,] as it is written,5 “Who may ascend the mount of the L-rd ...? He who has clean hands and a pure heart....” I.e., there are many requirements for entering Gan Eden, even the lower level of Gan Eden.6 [No such restrictions apply regarding] the Era of Resurrection. [On the contrary,] “Every Jew has a share in the World to Come.”7

This surely requires explanation, for the revelation that will characterize the Era of Resurrection will far surpass those of Gan Eden.8 [This applies] even regarding the revelations within the higher level of Gan Eden — and indeed, those of the most sublime levels of Gan Eden.

{The concept [that the revelation that will characterize the Era of Resurrection is vastly superior to even the most lofty levels of Gan Eden] can be appreciated by the very fact that, at that time, all the Jews will be resurrected. This will include even those souls who have been in Gan Eden for many thousands of years and who thrice daily are elevated to higher levels [of Gan Eden]. Nevertheless, they too will be clothed in bodies in the World to Come. [And they will eagerly desire to do so, because] the revelation that will characterize the Era of Resurrection is vastly superior to the revelation of — even the most sublime level of — Gan Eden.9}

[The question is thus reinforced]: Why is it that the lower rung, the level of Gan Eden, has many prerequisites which must be met to merit its revelations, while the [far superior level, the] revelation of the Era of Resurrection is the portion of all Jews?