And in the book of Sifrei Devarim, we find a fascinating perspective.

The text points out a subtle, but significant, detail in the Torah's language. It doesn't say God promised the land "to give to you," speaking to the generation entering the land of Israel. Instead, it says "to give to them," referring to their forefathers. If those forefathers are no longer around, how can they receive this promise? The implication, according to this reading, is clear: there must be a resurrection, a chance for them to inherit what was promised. The Torah itself, then, offers a glimpse into the possibility of an afterlife!

But what will that afterlife look like? Sifrei Devarim paints a stunning picture, filled with light and joy.

It says that in that future world, the faces of the righteous will shine "as the day," like the sun itself. It even brings proof texts, verses from other parts of the Hebrew Bible, to bolster this vision. Like the verse from Judges (5:31): "and His lovers, like the sun emerging in its strength."

But it doesn't stop there. It goes on to describe seven different joys, seven radiant facets of the righteous in the world to come, all connected to the divine presence, the Shechinah. These aren't just abstract concepts, they are vivid images.

First, as we mentioned, "His lovers like the sun emerging in its strength." Then, drawing from the Song of Songs (6:10), "fair as the moon." Next, from Daniel (12:3), "and the wise ones will shine as the brightness of the firmament." Continuing on, "and they that turn the many to righteousness (will shine) as the stars forever." The imagery keeps coming: "and like lightnings shall they run" (Nachum 2:4). "To the chief musician upon shoshanim," (Psalms 45:1) shoshanim meaning lilies, suggesting a delicate beauty. And finally, "and his beauty will be as that of the olive tree" (Hoshea 14:7).

What are we to make of all this radiant imagery? Is it literal? Symbolic? Perhaps it's both. Maybe it's a way of conveying the inexpressible, a way of hinting at the overwhelming beauty and joy that awaits those who live righteous lives. These seven joys, these seven facets of light, are a reminder that our actions in this world have consequences that extend far beyond our earthly existence. They shape not just our own destiny, but the very fabric of the world to come.

So, the next time you read the Torah, pay attention to those seemingly small details. They might just be hinting at something far greater than we can imagine: a world of light, joy, and eternal connection with the Divine. A world where the faces of the righteous shine with the brilliance of the sun, the gentle glow of the moon, and the enduring light of the stars. A world where the promise made to our ancestors is finally, and fully, realized.