Can the Deceased Return to Life? Insights from Jewish Wisdom

"One can visit the cemetery and tend to the deceased up to three days to see if they might have returned to life. There is an account of someone who lived for another twenty-five years after such an occurrence and then passed away." This implies that in the three days following burial, there is a possibility of revival.

(Tractate Semachot, beginning of chapter 8)

Rabbi Yosi of Pekiin Returns to Life

Rabbi Yosi had a young son who did not allow anyone near his father’s body after his death, staying close and weeping with his face against his father's. The child spoke out, "Master of the Universe, it is written in the Torah, 'If you chance upon a bird’s nest... you shall not take the mother with the young; let the mother go and take the young for yourself'..." He cried and shouted, "Master of the Universe, let it be Your will to fulfill what is written in the Torah, for there are two children from my parents, myself and my younger sister. You should have taken us, fulfilling the Torah's command that states to send the mother away and take the young. Master of the Universe, it says 'mother' and not father, here we have both father and mother. My mother has already passed, taken from over her children. Now, my father, who protected and sheltered us, is also taken. Where is the Torah’s justice?" Rabbi Elazar and his companions wept in response to the child’s heartfelt cries.

... Rabbi Elazar remarked that Hashem’s actions are beyond our understanding, as His wisdom is infinite. Even though the child’s words were valid, there is no probing Hashem’s heart or ways. (As Rabbi Elazar attempted) to persuade the child not to speak arrogantly to the Heavens, a pillar of fire intervened between them, preventing them from stopping the child's plea, which was pleasing to Hashem, as detailed later on. Rabbi Elazar told the companions: "Either Hashem intends to perform a miracle to resurrect Rabbi Yosi or wishes that no one else should be involved with him. But the child’s words and tears are unbearable for me."

As they sat, they heard a voice proclaiming "Fortunate are you, Rabbi Yosi, whose little goat's words and tears ascended before the Holy One’s throne. They adjudicated the case, decreeing to revive you. Hashem appointed thirteen individuals to the Angel of Death for the redemption of your soul. You have been granted an additional twenty-two years to teach Torah to this beloved child of Hashem."

Rabbi Elazar and the group rose and ensured no one else remained in the house to prevent the evil eye from afflicting Rabbi Yosi. They immediately observed the pillar of fire rise and dissipate, and Rabbi Yosi opened his eyes, while the boy still held his face close to his father’s. Rabbi Elazar remarked to his friends, "Blessed are we to have witnessed the resurrection of the dead firsthand."

... Rabbi Yosi told them, "Friends, I am not permitted to reveal what I observed in the upper world for twelve years. However, I can share this: the 365 tears my son shed were counted before the Holy One, and when my son recited the verse about the bird’s nest, his cries stirred 300,000 righteous souls who sat on the benches in the heavenly academy to arise before the Holy One and plead for mercy to revive me. They guaranteed my righteousness, promising to guide me in serving my Creator. Hashem, in His mercy, resurrected me... Then, Hashem summoned the Angel of Death and commanded him to restore my soul and return in 22 years to reclaim it, as the thirteen men are not a permanent pledge against death itself, for they too are destined to pass. They were given as tangible witnesses surrendered on my behalf, but Hashem performed the miracle for your sakes, recognizing your righteousness."

(Zohar, Balak 244-247, "Sweet as Honey", pages 566-573)

The Upper World—A World of Clear Truth, Opposite to This World

The Talmud recounts about Rav Yosef, son of Rav Yehoshua, who passed and came back to life. His father inquired, "What did you see?" Rav Yosef replied, "I saw an upside-down world. Those esteemed here for their wealth were below, and those here seen as simple yet devoted servants of Hashem were high above." His father said, "You have seen a clear world!"

(Baba Batra 10b)

Rav Huna's Return from Death

The Talmud further tells of Rav Huna, son of Rav Yehoshua, who was severely ill and on the brink of death but then revived. Rav Pappa asked him what he witnessed in the process of dying.

Rav Huna recounted: "I heard Hashem instruct the heavenly court that since Rav Huna was forbearing and treated others beyond the letter of the law, you too should not judge him strictly but restore him to life."

(This means Rav Huna not only returned from death to life, but also heard the reason for his revival.)

(Tractate Rosh Hashanah 17a)