Da'at Tevunot, a profound work of Jewish philosophy, offers a glimpse into this very mystery.
It tells us of a remarkable benefit for the soul when the body completes its earthly journey. Think of it as an ascent, a spiritual promotion of sorts. The soul is elevated from one level to the next, gaining strength upon strength, glory upon glory. It's a beautiful image, isn't it?
But what about when we're still here, living in our bodies? Does the soul remain static, waiting for its time to ascend? Not at all! Da'at Tevunot explains that even while inhabiting the body, the soul experiences elevation and advantage based on our actions. The soul of someone immersed in Torah study, engaged in mitzvot (commandments), and seeking knowledge of God is entirely different from a soul that is distant from these things. It's a soul alive, energized, and growing.
It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? How much of our effort to learn and grow spiritually impacts our souls in real time?
However, there's a limit. The text emphasizes that the soul's elevation typically doesn't reach a point where it visibly transforms the body. We're not talking about physical changes that everyone can see.
Except… there are exceptions.
These are the rare few, "the remnant chosen by G-d," whose souls are so refined that it does impact their physical form. Moshe our teacher (may he rest in peace), Enoch, and Elijah are cited as prime examples. These individuals reached such a high level of spiritual attainment that their souls affected their bodies in a tangible way.
According to the text, for the vast majority of us, even if our souls achieve significant advantages through our actions, those advantages won't manifest physically in a way that others can observe. Our spiritual work is largely unseen.
Yet, the text assures us that goodness will not be withheld from those who strive. In the future, each person will receive their due reward, precisely measured according to their actions. There’s a sense of justice and ultimate accounting built into the universe.
What does this tell us? Perhaps that the real work is internal. That the most profound transformations are the ones that happen within the soul, even if they aren’t always visible to the outside world. It's a comforting thought, isn't it? That our efforts, our intentions, our striving for connection with the Divine, truly matter, even when we can't see the immediate results. And that, ultimately, goodness awaits those who dedicate themselves to a life of meaning and purpose.