The Helper: Ibur in the Gospel of John

*This article is adapted from the book Illumination Volume 2. Bringing to Light the Jewish-ness of the New Testament

Having previously laid the groundwork to understand the deeply mystical concept of Ibur¹, we will explore another familiar passage in the Gospels and its relevance to this tradition.

But First, a Quick Recap

In the Rabbinic tradition, the mystical concept of Gilgul is often, and somewhat inaccurately, referred to as Jewish Reincarnation. Nevertheless, Gilgul occurs through two distinct methods: 1) a full return and 2) a partial return.

Essentially, what we're calling a full return allows a soul an opportunity to mend the fractures of its past through a complex return to the world of the living².

A partial return is known as Ibur (עיבור), a word that means "impregnation." Ibur is a privilege granted to righteous soul, allowing them to remain spiritually bound to someone on earth—beyond death—for a purpose.

What is the Purpose of Ibur?

An Ibur is a positive phenomenon that benefits both the righteous soul and their living host.

The host gains a spiritual boost from the righteous soul, aiding them in spiritual development.

In addition, the righteous soul benefits vicariously from the good deeds carried out by the host. This enables them to participate in mitzvot they may not have had the chance to experience during their lifetime or to enhance their accrued merits.

This phenomenon reveals that there is an unbroken connection between the upper and lower worlds at all times—and that those who pass away are never really gone.

The Purpose of Ibur

The form of Ibur we are exploring is that which enables one to receive a spiritual boost, or help, from their teacher who has passed away. While this may seem foreign to some, we'll see the connections to these ideas in the Gospel of John, particularly, Chapter 14.

In order for this to occur, the recipient [of the Ibur] must be engaged in developing themselves through the observance of the Biblical commandments, repentance, and the avoidance of sin. In the Kabbalistic work, Shaar HaGilgulim, we read:

"a righteous person becomes an Ibur in him to help and direct him for the good... to assist him in the service of G_D. - Sha'ar HaGilgulim Intro 1:7

Through their connection to the righteous soul, a living person is granted access to higher levels of Divine Presence than they would otherwise have achieved on their own³.

However, if one fails to meet this criteria, their connection is severed:

“If he [the righteous person] finds the person appropriate, [in good standing], he will remain with him [in Ibur]. If not, he will leave him…”⁴

In short, obedience to the Torah is critical to enabling and sustaining this connection.

The "Helper"

In the Gospel of John, during what appears to be a type of Passover Seder, Jesus discussed many mystical ideas with his disciples, alluding to the events ahead of him. In one passage, we read;

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you a helper, to be with you forever, ...
- John 14:15-16