The ancient sages certainly pondered these questions.
We find a fascinating discussion in Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal interpretations on the Book of Deuteronomy. It centers on a subtle, yet profound, point of grammar in Psalm 121:1. Instead of saying "a song of ascents," the text reads "a song to the ascents." What's the significance?
This seemingly small detail unlocks a whole world of meaning. The sages interpret it not just as a song about going up, but as a song directed toward the Ascents themselves – toward Him, God, who is destined to assign these ascents to the righteous in the world to come. It speaks of a future reality where spiritual elevation is granted.
But it doesn't stop there. Rebbi, a prominent sage of the Mishnaic period, offers another interpretation. He suggests that these "ascents" are literal: thirty distinct levels, one above the other, in the celestial realm. Imagine: thirty steps, each leading to a higher degree of spiritual reward.
Now, that image could spark a worry. Wouldn't such a hierarchy breed jealousy, competition, perhaps even…hatred? If there are thirty levels, surely the souls on the lower rungs would envy those above them.
That's where the verse from Daniel (12:3) comes in: "And they that turn the many to righteousness (will shine) as the stars forever." The sages use this verse to reassure us. Just as there is no hatred, envy, or rivalry among the stars, so too will there be none among the righteous.
Think about it. Each star shines with its own unique brilliance. One might be a tiny speck of light, another a dazzling beacon, and yet another a distant, steady glow. And just as with the stars, the light of one righteous soul isn't exactly the same as another's light. Each is distinct, each precious in its own way. There's room for all, without competition.
This idea reminds me of something we find in Midrash Rabbah, where the varying lights of the heavenly bodies are also used to symbolize the uniqueness of each individual's contribution to the world. No two people are the same, and each person's actions have a ripple effect, contributing to the overall tapestry of existence.
The passage from Daniel continues, "and the wise ones will shine as the brightness of the firmament." Sifrei Devarim offers a specific interpretation of this phrase: it refers to a judge who renders a judgment in accordance with the pure truth. The implication here is that those who uphold justice in this world will be rewarded with particular brilliance in the world to come. It suggests the importance of integrity and fairness in our earthly actions.
So, what does this all mean for us? Perhaps it's a reminder that spiritual growth isn't a zero-sum game. One person's ascent doesn't diminish another's. Instead, each act of kindness, each pursuit of justice, each striving for righteousness contributes to a collective elevation, a shared radiance that illuminates the world. And maybe, just maybe, it carves out a unique and shining place for us amongst the stars.