Shaar ha Gilgulim
Encyclopedia
Sha'ar ha Gilgulim is a kabbalistic
work on reincarnation
. Based primarily on the Zohar
(section Mishpatim), where gilgulim (reincarnations) are discussed, it also borrows heavily from the teachings of the prominent Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria
(1534-1572, otherwise known as the Arizal). The book was composed by the Arizal's main disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital and his son Shmuel.
As well as outlining principles of personal rectification and reincarnation, this work describes the spiritual roots of many of the great Torah scholars of the past. Furthermore, it often provides information about the future in terms of predicting challenges to be expected throughout Jewish history and particularly the "End of Days".
Kabbalah
Kabbalah/Kabala is a discipline and school of thought concerned with the esoteric aspect of Rabbinic Judaism. It was systematized in 11th-13th century Hachmei Provence and Spain, and again after the Expulsion from Spain, in 16th century Ottoman Palestine...
work on reincarnation
Reincarnation
Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant...
. Based primarily on the Zohar
Zohar
The Zohar is the foundational work in the literature of Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah. It is a group of books including commentary on the mystical aspects of the Torah and scriptural interpretations as well as material on Mysticism, mythical cosmogony, and mystical psychology...
(section Mishpatim), where gilgulim (reincarnations) are discussed, it also borrows heavily from the teachings of the prominent Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria
Isaac Luria
Isaac Luria , also called Yitzhak Ben Shlomo Ashkenazi acronym "The Ari" "Ari-Hakadosh", or "Arizal", meaning "The Lion", was a foremost rabbi and Jewish mystic in the community of Safed in the Galilee region of Ottoman Palestine...
(1534-1572, otherwise known as the Arizal). The book was composed by the Arizal's main disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital and his son Shmuel.
As well as outlining principles of personal rectification and reincarnation, this work describes the spiritual roots of many of the great Torah scholars of the past. Furthermore, it often provides information about the future in terms of predicting challenges to be expected throughout Jewish history and particularly the "End of Days".