Our rabbis, the mekubalim, revealed to us some of the profound secrets of Creation. This is so that we might gain some insight into the Almighty's intention in creating the world and mankind, enabling us to fulfil our roles better. One of the ideas they revealed to us is the secret of gilgul - reincarnation.
A neshamah that has not yet completed its rectification in one lifetime descends again, clothed in a new body, to resume and complete what it left unfinished. The Ari HaKadosh was amongst those who revealed the spiritual roots of the souls of many figures mentioned in our sources, revealing the threads that connect souls across the generations, and thereby casting an entirely new light upon their actions and destinies. In each such disclosure, we catch a glimpse of the profound cheshbonos of the Ribbono Shel Olam, who "devises means so that no one remains cast away from Him" (שמואל ב יד יד).
In this context, it is worthwhile to preface with a wonderful story told about the Baal Shem Tov.
