An old man dies and his curious descendants open the will to see whom he bequeathed his substantial wealth. The text was short and to the point:
“As a believer in reincarnation, I am bequeathing my entire estate to myself.”
There are many Jewish sources dealing with what is popularly called “reincarnation.” In Hebrew, it is called “gilgul ha’neshamot,” literally the recycling or transmigration of souls.
The soul comes into this world in the first place to make a spiritual repair. If that is not fulfilled by the end of one’s lifetime, then the soul will be sent down again. The return trip may only be needed for a short time or in a limited way. This in part explains why people are born with handicaps or may live a brief life.
