A Journey Beyond: One Woman's Near-Death Experience

Great is the joy of the soul when it is released from its physical clothing, from its imprisonment, and returns to its spiritual garment, reuniting with its source in the eternal world of peace where there is no body, suffering, or pain.

With this idea, Rabbi Kook comforted his student Rabbi Charlap on the loss of his brother:

"A precious soul that left a life of vanity after fulfilling its mission to its measure, elevating to delight in the highest realms, where the soul lights up as it exits the prison of the body, then it truly delights in Hashem."

(Letters of Rabbi Kook, Part 2, Letter 203)

Revital Levi's Testimony

Revital Levi-Gilad, 41, a mother of three from Herzliya, experienced a life-changing event 13 years ago when she temporarily left this world in what is known as a clinical death. Raised in a traditional environment, she distanced herself from religion in her youth. At 27, married and a mother, she had an out-of-body experience during sleep.
"It happened at night," Revital recalls. "I was asleep with my husband and our two young children. In my sleep, I felt myself leave my body.

Anyone who hasn't experienced such an event can't truly understand. I saw myself from above, my husband and kids asleep beside me. Suddenly, I was drawn into a tunnel of light, a marvelous, sweeping light that didn't resemble anything in this world. It was a light filled with compassion and love, so peaceful, without any sense of panic or pressure. I felt enveloped as if in a womb.
"Suddenly, the light spoke to me. It gently asked, 'What is your name?' At first, terrified, I couldn't answer. After a few seconds, the voice asked again, and from somewhere within, I found the strength to respond. In that moment, I found myself in a large room infused with soft, ambient light.
On the far right side of the room, through a gentle yellow haze, I saw my grandfather's parents coming towards me, arms wide open, in joy. They had passed away two years before. There were two other family members I didn't recognize. They seemed to sing as they approached.

"Even then, I didn't realize I had left the living world. But upon seeing my deceased relatives, it hit me—I had entered the world of truth. It was overwhelming and terrifying. I couldn't move forward or retreat, nor could they.

Suddenly, I was summoned before a heavenly court. The dread and shame were indescribable. I faced three stern judges, each with a beard, seemingly rabbis. Before they spoke, I began to cry, aware I had nowhere to run. It dawned on me, I wouldn't escape unscathed.

Two large video screens appeared, replaying my life. The screen on the right showed a negative portrayal; the left screen replayed my life in reverse, not clearly good or bad. Upon their conclusion, I implored the judges to return me to the living world. They questioned why. My son needed me. I pleaded, 'Who will care for my children?' Suddenly, I saw my husband and children asleep. The limitless nature of the soul became apparent.

"The rabbi on the left quietly conferred with the others. He was my advocate, and his effort eased my case. They remained stern, but the advocate asked if I returned, would I promise to repent? 'Yes!' I pledged, sobbing. After three such promises, I felt myself drawn back into my body through my nostrils. It was like experiencing 'And He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.'

Awakening at 3:10 AM, Revital recounted her experience to her husband. She decided to cover her hair and observe Shabbat strictly from then on.

Question: Why do you think this happened to you specifically?
Answer: Heavenly calculations, who knows? Maybe more is expected of me as a mother of a special needs child, or because I distanced myself from religion. I had an out-of-body experience at 16, led somewhere high with a fiery river below. 'It's not your time,' I was told. Perhaps, at 27, I finally understood the message.

Question: What's the main difference between this world and the next?
Answer: Here, you can accumulate merits constantly. Death is only a birth into another realm where nothing more can be changed. It's understanding how precious life is.

Revital's journey back to faith was not easy, especially with a secular husband. They eventually separated, not solely due to religious differences. One day, a fundraising yeshiva student at her door claimed a 'rabbi sent him.' Revital realized this rabbi's face resembled the advocate from her near-death experience. This motivated her complete return to religious observance.

Revital recalls her powerful connection to Hashem, likened to a fatherly bond. She wished to marry a devout Jewish man and soon met her pious husband.

For years, Revital kept this secret, until her visions of family crises proved truthful, reinforcing her story's credibility. After praying to relinquish this foresight burden, the visions ceased.

"I understand and firmly believe in the Creator," Revital concludes. "Hashem tests those He loves. While alive, we can rectify and appreciate our life gift. Seeing others live unaware kills me—they need to awaken to life’s real essence."