Ancient Jewish Sages and Near-Death Experiences Echo Hamlet's Existential Question
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Ancient Jewish texts and modern near-death experiences offer perspectives on the existential question of "to be or not to be." A man who experienced clinical death and reunited with his deceased family chose to return to life to share his profound experience, echoing the philosophical debates found in the Talmud and Shakespeare.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jewish sages debated whether it was better for humans to exist or not exist.
- The Talmudic schools of Shammai and Hillel addressed the 'to be or not to be' question.
- A near-death experience survivor chose to return to life to share his story.
- The man reported a profound reunion with his deceased family during his experience.
- Ancient texts suggest creations occurred with consent, despite later disillusionment.
The age-old question of "to be or not to be," famously posed by Shakespeare's Hamlet, has found echoes not only in literature but also in ancient Jewish thought and modern near-death experiences. While Hamlet concludes that "not to be" is preferable, citing the fear of the unknown afterlife, Jewish sages grappled with a similar dilemma centuries earlier. The Talmudic tractate "Eruvin" records a debate between the schools of Shammai and Hillel, with Shammai's followers arguing it would have been better for humans never to have been created, while Hillel's school countered that, having been created, one should examine their actions. This debate, occurring around the late 1st century BCE during a period of lost national independence for Judea, is seen as significant for arising during a time of uncertainty.
Further complicating the issue, the "Rosh Hashanah" tractate, written after the destruction of the Second Temple, posits that all creations were made with their consent. This raises the question of how individuals, especially those facing hardship, reconcile this idea with their lived experiences. The article suggests that insights into this paradox can be found in accounts of individuals who have undergone clinical death and returned to life.
Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, in her book "Life, Death, and Life After Death," recounts the story of a man who, after his entire family perished in a tragic accident, descended into severe depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction. During a lecture by Kübler-Ross, this man shared his profound near-death experience. He described seeing his radiant family, experiencing immense love, and receiving a telepathic message of joy. Despite the overwhelming love, he chose to return to his physical body to share his experience with the world and attempt to change his life.
This man's decision to return and share his story, even after the profound reunion with his loved ones, is presented as a testament to a renewed will to live and contribute. The article concludes by encouraging readers to consider this man's mission and share his story, thereby participating in the ongoing exploration of the fundamental question of existence.