Understanding the Concept of Gilgul and the Role of the Letter Vav

The mystical concept of gilgul, or reincarnation, primarily applies to men rather than women. This is because women, in Kabbalistic thought, undergo purification in Purgatory in the World-to-Come, whereas men are reincarnated due to their connection to Torah study. This differentiation is drawn from a deep spiritual principle, reflected in the Torah and further elaborated by the Sages and Kabbalists.

Shmuel, referencing the verse in Deuteronomy “revealed with Me” (Deut. 32:34) and Job’s declaration that “G-d does all these things with man two or three times” (Job 33:29), explains that gilgul pertains specifically to men. The key phrase “with man” indicates that the process of reincarnation is uniquely tied to men, rather than to women.

At the core of this idea is the letter vav, which holds the secret of gilgul. The vav represents the six spiritual extremities—chesed, gevura, tiferet, netzach, hod, and yesod—which are the source of the six directions below. The form of the vav as a line from top to bottom illustrates its role as a connector between higher and lower realms. It also serves as a prefix meaning “and,” symbolizing the interconnectedness of the soul’s various lifetimes. Each incarnation is linked in a continuous process of unfolding the soul’s potential.

The letter vav also reveals why reincarnation exists. A single lifetime is not sufficient for a soul to fully express its relationship with its Creator. Each lifetime allows the soul to emphasize different qualities or spiritual connections. In one life, a soul may primarily express chesed, the attribute of love and kindness. In another, gevura, the attribute of strength and discipline, may be the dominant focus. Thus, the process of reincarnation allows the soul to fulfill its purpose across multiple lifetimes, connecting all aspects of its relationship to HaShem.

This concept is further supported by the verse, “Six years shall you work” (Ex. 21:2), which the Zohar (Zohar III Pinchas 215b) interprets as the soul’s labor in rectifying itself and the world. The “work” refers to elevating fallen sparks and achieving spiritual correction, a task that spans multiple incarnations. The six years of labor correspond to the six sefirot, indicating that the soul must toil through six conceptual stages of development before reaching completion.

In Kabbalistic thought, the letter yud also plays a role in understanding gilgul. The yud, shaped as a dot, symbolizes a circle and is connected to the concept of a wheel, or galgal. The gematria of galgal, 66, reflects the divine name ADNY (65), which enlivens malchut, the final sefira that leads back to keter, the highest sefira. This circular movement from malchut to keter mirrors the cyclical nature of life and reincarnation—the soul’s continuous journey from life to death and back again.

This idea of the wheel of life is deeply embedded in the sefirot and the structure of the universe. As the soul labors through conceptual “years” of spiritual work, it ultimately reaches malchut, the place where the “buck stops,” and is freed in the sabbatical year, which represents the completion of this labor. Malchut corresponds to the feminine aspect of creation, and just as the feminine does not reincarnate, malchut ascends to keter, symbolizing the soul’s final release from the cycle of reincarnation.

The sabbatical year, or sh’vi’it, is aligned with malchut and represents freedom from reincarnation, as indicated by the verse, “In the Seventh Year he shall go out for free” (Ex. 21:2). This feminine principle explains why women do not typically undergo gilgul, as their spiritual completion is achieved in the World-to-Come. The vav, which corresponds to the six sefirot of Zeir Anpin, the masculine aspect, further underscores that gilgul is a process tied to the masculine.

However, there are exceptions. A woman may reincarnate for the sake of her husband if he must undergo gilgul. This is illustrated in the Saba of Mishpatim, which teaches that if a man reincarnates and was married, his wife will reincarnate with him for his benefit, as referenced in the verse, “If he was married then his wife will go out with him” (Ex. 21:3). This shows that while gilgul is primarily a masculine process, it can involve a woman’s reincarnation under certain circumstances, particularly when connected to her husband’s spiritual journey.

The concept of gilgul is deeply rooted in the Kabbalistic understanding of the soul’s journey through lifetimes. The letter vav, with its connecting quality and association with the six spiritual extremities, serves as a powerful symbol of the soul’s interconnected lifetimes. Through the labor of reincarnation, the soul spans all of creation, expressing different aspects of its relationship with HaShem and ultimately striving for completion. While this process is mainly linked to men, it sometimes involves women, particularly in cases where their spiritual path is tied to that of their husbands. The cycle of reincarnation reflects the broader cosmic pattern of spiritual ascent, from the lowest sefira of malchut to the highest sefira of keter, where the soul finds ultimate freedom.

May the Arizal's merit protect us!

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.