‘Belief in the afterlife is not important in Judaism.’Discuss[15]

Question 1

 Depends upon different traditions and individual beliefs and
interpretations within those traditions.
 The central belief is the belief in One God as expressed in the Shema.  The afterlife is often called Olam Ha Ba -the world to come but many
different interpretations of what that might look life.  The present life on Earth is considered as important- thus the importance
of Pikuach Nefesh.  -God is seen as a Judge of the life on Earth. For many the ten days of
return at Rosh Hashanah has an impact on God as a judge before the
book is sealed.  The nature of the afterlife is not frequently considered in Judaism.
 For some the afterlife means that it is the memories of your good deeds
that live on.
 Many believe that what is important is living a good life now in preparation
for the world to come.
 Many believe there is no point discussing it as the ways of God are not for
humans to understand.  The Hebrew for cemetery translates as the ‘house of life’.  No specific teaching in the Torah about the afterlife.  References to Sheol in the Torah have been interpreted by some to refer
to a physical place of the afterlife. There is no consensus regarding what
it looks like and who goes there.
 Difference in views regarding resurrection.
 Some believe that resurrection will come after olam ha-ba and thus give a
second life.
 For some Jews there is a belief in reincarnation.  Some argue that the resurrection of the dead will occur during the
Messianic Age.
 Some argue that only the righteous will be resurrected, while others that
everyone will be resurrected and then a Day of Judgement will follow.
 Some argue there is no need for a Day of Judgement after death as
judgement happens every year at Rosh Hashanah.
 Some Orthodox Jews believe in a resurrection that includes the body as
well as the soul being raised. This influences Jewish attitudes to
cremation, organ transplants and autopsies.
 Reform Judaism has rejected a belief in resurrection and references have
been taken out of prayer books and worship.