Gate of Reincarnations The large size green text is the direct translation of the Gate of Reincarnations. The smaller, black text is the explanation of the translator.

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"GATE OF REINCARNATIONS" from the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria translated by Yitzchak Bar Chaim edited by Shabtai Teicher Association of Mitzvot to Tikun Chapter Four, Section 2 Mitzvot, tikun and blemish of the soul…   It seems to me that all the aspects of rectification are really the fulfillment of mitzvot, which are dependent upon the "limbs" of the Nefesh. All blemishes result from violating negative mitzvot.   All blemishes result from violating negative mitzvot It is well known that there are 365 positive mitzvot and 248 negative mitzvot. The negative mitzvot tell us what not to do. Their number corresponds to the 248 limbs of the human body, which is made in the image of the Nefesh. Thus, each one of the negative mitzvot corresponds to one of the limbs of the Nefesh, and transgression of any one of them causes a corresponding blemish or damage in one of the limbs of the Nefesh. Positive mitzvot, on the other hand, require a person to actively do something. They cause tikun (rectification) of the Nefesh.   Positive mitzvot… cause tikun (rectification) of the Nefesh The complete entry of the Nefesh into the body, which is called tikun of the Nefesh, is accomplished only through the performance of mitzvot. Although sins blemish the Nefesh, they do not prevent its sparks from entering. A person can perform positive mitzvot, and in the same lifetime transgress negative precepts. As a result of the positive mitzvot he will be rectifying levels of soul, one after the other. The sparks of the Nefesh will be entering the body and becoming rectified. On the other hand, as a result of the negative mitzvot that he has transgressed, he will have caused blemish or damage. These will have to be atoned for, one way or the other, but they do not necessarily prevent the progress of tikun. Yitzchak Bar-Chaim is the pseudonym of an American-born Jerusalem scholar who has studied and taught Kabbala for many years. He may be contacted through: kabbala@KabbalaOnline.com.

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