We're told that this refining process, this constant work on ourselves, is the essential action for the soul while it's here. It’s the core of our earthly mission. And while there are other stages and experiences awaiting us beyond this world – well, that's a story for another time, says the text.
But what does it all mean?
The Zohar, in its hidden depths of Midrash haNe'elam (the concealed Midrash), offers a powerful image. Rav Chiya says, "Come and see – until the body stands in this world, it is deficient in the payment from after." Think about that for a moment. Only when we've lived a righteous life, walked the straight path, and met our end with integrity, are we truly complete in our "payment," our reward. In that state, the soul is called "Sarah" in its payment. The name Sarah means princess, but also connotes nobility and completeness.
So, what is this payment? What does the soul receive?
It's not about mansions in the sky or streets paved with gold, but something far more profound. It’s about the elevation of God's glory – may He be blessed! – manifested in the perfection of His creations. Everything, absolutely everything, was created for His glory. And our good deeds, our acts of kindness, our struggles to become better versions of ourselves – they all contribute to this grand, cosmic symphony.
These acts are "born" of the good we do relative to the heavens, actions for which reward was established from above. The reward isn't some arbitrary prize; it's a natural consequence, like serenity made before Him. It's about aligning ourselves with the Divine will, becoming a reflection of the goodness and light that already exists within the universe.
It's a beautiful and powerful idea, isn't it? That our seemingly small actions, our everyday choices, have a ripple effect that extends far beyond our understanding, ultimately contributing to the glorification of the Divine. It's a reminder that we are all part of something much larger than ourselves, and that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond what we can see.