A Hasidic Tale
Wed., November 20, 06:42 AM
The Hasidim are a sect of Judaism that separates itself from modern Jews in many ways. When you see a Hasidic man for the first time, in old-fashioned European dress and a long beard, you might think “Amish.” But in many ways the Hasidim are quite modern. They engage in commerce – often quite lucrative commerce – and many of them use faxes, computers, and the internet.
The Hasidim have a rich literature of stories that explain the world as they see it. I don’t tell the stories too well, as I’m not a Hasid. I haven’t told this particular story for a long time, but I see a need for it this week.
The Hasidim believe in reincarnation. They believe every soul that visits earth has specific tasks to accomplish. Should a person die before his tasks are complete, his soul must return to complete them. The soul may return as a person or as an animal; the reason seems to be the character of the debt to be repaid. In any case, a soul may return to earth several times.
Sometimes a soul is almost finished, but has one task left to complete. You may have met some of these souls. They usually are wonderful, exemplary people with shining personalities. They often die young, leaving us bereft and wondering why they were taken. Why would God do such a thing?
The explanation, according to this tale, is that the soul completed its final task. God, in his mercy, did not leave this perfect soul to suffer in the world, but took him directly into Heaven.
Is it true? Is it but a fairy tale? I don’t know, and I don’t think it matters. I think it’s just comforting to think that the good people we knew have been rewarded, that their death is not a penalty but a gift. And then we can be thankful for the gift of their lives.
