8685 —גלגול נשמות במקורות יהודיים ובחסידות

B"H, 25 Tishrei, 5724.

Brooklyn.

Mr. A.L. Zuckerman shiyichyeh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your question in your letter from the 10th regarding what is brought in several books about the matter of reincarnation of souls, especially as elaborated at length in the writings of the Arizal, and the relationship of Chassidus to this.

The matter of gilgulim (reincarnations) is found in several of our holy books even before the Arizal, as noted in the footnotes*, although the authority of the Arizal alone would be sufficient. It is understood that this concept was accepted both in Chassidus and by the Gra from Vilna and his students—even though they opposed Chassidus, etc., as mentioned above—this matter is accepted despite some Jewish scholars, including those from medieval times, not accepting this idea for various reasons which are not appropriate to detail here.

On this occasion I permit myself to enclose a copy of my general letter for this year, which I hope will interest you.

With honor and blessing for good news from your activities in spreading Judaism.

In the name of the Rebbe shlita
Secretary

* Zohar Mishpatim (99b) and several other places. Ramban (Iyov, Introduction). Bachya (Bechukosai 26:11), etc.
Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 33 p. 251 and completed according to a copy from the secretariat.
My general letter: see above vol. 22 letter #879.

Summary

The Rebbe writes that reincarnation is a well-established concept in Jewish tradition, found both before and after the Arizal, and accepted by major streams including Chassidus and its opponents; he encourages further study on this topic.