Judaism and reincarnation

[Darryl_B]

I have recently read references to Judaism and reincarnation. My question is when was this initially speculated historically, which branches of Jewish thought entertain the speculation and how wide-spread is it today? I am more interested in the development of the idea rather than entering a discussion around the truableness of the speculations.

 

[Autumn_Smoke]

I had heard of this also and did a quick search.

From this site: myjewishlearning.com/article/reincarnation-the-transmigration-of-a-jewish-idea/

there are no references to the idea in the Bible or the Talmud and it was unknown in Judaism until the eighth century CE…

Best to read the whole article, though. It seems to be most popular among the Hassidic, a Jewish Mystical sect.

 

[Todd977]

The article on “Transmigration of Souls” in the Jewish Encyclopedia might help.

 

[Darryl_B]

So am I reading these sources right, in that they claim the progression of thought stems from the perplexing question of innocent children suffering? That is I guess one of the more difficult of the theological questions. Interesting thank you.