The work, "Shaar HaGilgulim," as the title reveals, is about the Torah concept of reincarnation. Based primarily on the Zohar in Parashat Mishpatim where gilgulim are discussed, it is from the writings of the master Kabbalist, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (1534-1572), otherwise known as the 'Arizal.' The book was recorded by his foremost disciple, Rabbi Chaim Vital, and amended by Rabbi Shmuel Vital, his son.
In addition to outlining principles of personal rectification and reincarnation, this work reveals the spiritual roots of many of the great Torah scholars of the past. Furthermore, it often provides vital information about the future in terms of helping one understand the challenges to be expected throughout Jewish history and particularly at the 'End-of-Days.'
Our new annotated English rendition was translated by Rabbi Yitzchak Bar Chaim. We have divided the lengthier of its 42 chapters (in the original called: hakdomot - "Introductions") into a number of sections. The first eleven chapters were edited and annotated by Rabbi Shabtai Teicher of blessed memory, a respected Ari Kabbala scholar in Jerusalem. Chapters 12 - 36 were then edited and annotated by Rabbi Perets Auerbach, a well-known teacher of Zohar and Ari, also in Jerusalem.
I have thought about the infinity concept since I was a young child as it pertained to creation, space, etc. The symbol for infinity never really resonated with me as an answer as it was just really going around in circles. I finally had my moment of satisfaction with the mirrors! When you have the 2 mirrors, one behind and one in front of you, the image goes on forever! To me this was a very comforting and symbolic representation of the concept. We will never know what is beyond this life, nor what has been before, yet seeking answers to our questions does give us all purpose.