The Departure: Mystical Moments at the End of Life

Why Close the Eyes of the Deceased

Rabbi Abba told Rabbi Hizkiah that it is necessary to close the eyes of the deceased so they do not remain open. This is because when a person passes from this world, their soul is cloistered with them, and just before it leaves, the eyes see the divine presence. Thus, the eyes remain open from the vision they saw, which brought them joy from the divine radiance.

Those present at the time of passing immediately close the eyes, ensuring that this sacred vision is the last thing seen, preventing any negative spiritual forces from taking hold. Furthermore, even after the soul departs, it remains in the house with its body. Leaving the eyes open could allow malevolent spirits to cling to the deceased, causing curses over anything seen.

Closing the Eyes to Transition from This World to the Next

The Zohar suggests that at the time of the resurrection of the dead, nothing material will remain of the body. To erase the impurity of the serpent that caused death, the body will return to dust, and during resurrection, it will become a new creation. Therefore, there's no need to leave the eyes open to view this world, as the next doesn't relate to it—it’s entirely different. Closing the eyes helps the departed move away from this world to be fully prepared for the visions of the divine.

Three Angels Appear at the Time of Passing

On the day it's time for a person to leave this world, the body weakens, and their soul desires to depart. At this moment, they're granted permission to see previously unseen revelations of the divine presence. Three angels appear: one records merits, another records debts, and the third counts days to confirm life's terms are complete. The person reflects on their deeds, and ultimately signs off on them with their hand. Each one of us affirms our life’s record, accepting judgment for both youthful and elder sins.

The Soul Confesses for the Body's Deeds

A person's death day is a day of judgment, separating body from soul. Three angels arrive alongside the divine presence to receive the soul if the person is righteous. They review lifetime deeds as the soul acknowledges them. Seeing this, the soul emerges from the body, confessing what the body did, then withdraws from the world. A righteous soul rejoices in its pure actions and the opportunity to dwell in the world to come.

Who Stands by the Soul on the Day of Death?

From "Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer" (Chapter 34):

"A person has three friends: children, wealth, and good deeds. At life's end, they ask their family for help against the harsh judgment of death, but family says there is no dominion on the death day and to go in peace. Seeking solace in wealth, they're reminded that riches don't help in adversity. Then they turn to their good deeds, asking for protection from death. Good deeds respond they’ll precede them to the ultimate judgment: 'Your righteousness will walk before you, and Hashem’s glory will gather you.'"

The sages compared this to a man summoned by a king. Fearing the unknown, he turned to friends for support. To his dismay, two refused to accompany him to the king’s presence. Only the third, unexpectedly willing to join him, vouched before the king, saving him. Similarly, wealth and family won't accompany a person beyond death’s gate, leaving only Torah and good deeds standing by.

The Soul’s Journey to the Garden of Eden

[After death] the soul enters the Cave of Machpelah, seeing what it needs to see. As it approaches the lower Garden of Eden, it encounters cherubim—angels of destruction—and the swirling fiery sword Hashem placed to guard the path to the Tree of Life. If worthy, the gate is opened, and it enters.

The Cave of Machpelah’s Proximity to the Lower Garden of Eden

[Jacob instructed his sons] to bury him only in the Cave of Machpelah, as it is close to the lower Garden of Eden. Evidence of this closeness is seen where Adam is buried.