by Ram ben Ze'ev
In Jewish mysticism, the concept of reincarnation, known as gilgul hanefesh (גלגול הנפש), plays a central role in understanding the soul's mission on earth. According to our belief, each soul is given the opportunity to return to this world until it fulfills all 613 mitzvot — the divine commandments outlined in the Torah. This process reflects G-D's boundless mercy, allowing each person multiple chances to achieve spiritual completion and perfection.
As Yom Kippur, or Yom HaKippurim (יום הכפורים), approaches, we stand before G-D seeking forgiveness for our transgressions. This sacred day, known as the Day of Atonement, invites us to reflect not only on our actions from the past year but also on the journey of our souls over multiple lifetimes. The recognition that the soul may carry the spiritual weight of unfinished mitzvot from previous lives adds a sense of urgency and significance to our practice of teshuvah (תשובה), or repentance.
On Yom Kippur, the call to atone and seek reconciliation with G-D offers a unique opportunity to recalibrate our spiritual trajectory. We can approach the new year with the mindset that we are on the verge of completing our soul's mission — as if we are finishing the list of mitzvot, not just beginning it. This perspective transforms each mitzvah we perform into not just a requirement, but a privilege and an essential step toward our soul's ultimate purpose.
This theme of spiritual fulfillment can be connected to a powerful passage in Sefer Devarim (ספר דברים), in Parashat Nitzavim. The Torah states: "The hidden things belong to G-D our L-RD, but the revealed things are for us and our children forever, to perform all the words of this Torah" (Devarim 29:28). The "hidden things" refer to the mysteries of our soul's journey — including the mitzvot that remain incomplete across lifetimes, known only to G-D. In contrast, the "revealed things" are the commandments we are conscious of and responsible for in this life. Our task is to focus on the mitzvot we are aware of, trusting that through G-D's divine plan, we are slowly completing the soul's mission.
In Sefer Vayikra (ספר ויקרא), the Torah speaks at length about the sacrifices brought to atone for sins. While the physical sacrifices from the time of the Beit HaMikdash (בית המקדש) are no longer part of our religious practice, the teachings in Masechet Yoma (מסכת יומא) reveal that prayer, repentance, and charity now serve as spiritual offerings. Yom Kippur becomes our opportunity to present the ultimate offering — the transformation of our souls through sincere teshuvah. It is a day when we realign our priorities, seek forgiveness from G-D, and reaffirm our commitment to the mitzvot.
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The Arizal, a central figure in Jewish mysticism, teaches that reincarnation is closely linked not only to the mitzvot between man and G-D (bein adam l’makom בין אדם למקום), but also between man and his fellow human beings (bein adam l’chaveiro בין אדם לחבירו). This understanding underscores the importance of ethical behavior, kindness, and love for one another. In Sefer Vayikra 19:18, the Torah commands: "ואהבת לרעך כמוך" — "Love your fellow as yourself." Each act of kindness we perform is another step toward fulfilling our spiritual purpose and completing the mitzvot required by our souls.
As Yom Kippur approaches, we should reflect on our personal journey, viewing the upcoming year as a time when we have the chance to complete the mitzvot our soul has been working toward for lifetimes. By treating each mitzvah with the weight and significance of a final step toward spiritual wholeness, we elevate our practice beyond the mundane and into the realm of divine purpose.
Rambam, in his Hilchot Teshuvah (הלכות תשובה), teaches that each person should view the world as equally balanced between merit and sin. Our next mitzvah could be the one that tips the scale toward redemption, not just for ourselves but for all of humanity. This powerful idea reminds us that our actions, especially on Yom Kippur, have the potential to bring about profound change on a cosmic level.
May we all merit to complete every mitzvah, both those known and hidden, in this lifetime, and may G-D seal us in the Book of Life for a good and sweet year ahead.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue