One of the more interesting questions I get asked is, “Rabbi, do Jews believe in reincarnation?”
The short answer to the question is: Yes, Judaism does believe in the concept of reincarnation (you can find many articles on our website that explain the Jewish view, click here for more).
As with so many other theological and religious questions, many people believe that the Jewish view is more or less the same as other religions. And as is true with so many other questions, so too with this one: The Jewish idea of reincarnation is radically different from other doctrines.
The most prominent difference of all is that many Eastern religions consider reincarnation to be a central tenet of their belief. In Judaism, this is definitely not the case. It is not listed as one of the 613 Mitzvot or as one of Maimonides’ 13 Principles of Faith.
On a more subtle, but perhaps more important level: Other beliefs include the unwritten implication that reincarnation is really one continuous consciousness, but we only get to observe one section. Were we to widen the view a little, we would be able to appreciate that these seemingly separate experiences are really one.
This is not consistent with the Jewish view. Judaism believes that every single person is responsible for their own life. There was never a “you” in the past and there will never be a “you” in the future. The most important moment in the history of creation is right now. And the most important person in the entire history of creation is… You!
Our job, for which the entire creation has been waiting, is to elevate our mundane world. We have the ability – and responsibility – to infuse this world with G-dliness. So the next time you’re going to take a bite of food or a drink of water (or any other “simple” activity), take a moment to reflect on what you’re doing and fill the moment with mindfulness. Click here for some easy to incorporate “mindfulness minutes” (otherwise known as Mitzvah Minutes).