Jewish beliefs about life after death

Question 1

What do Jewish scriptures teach about life after death?

Answer 1

The righteous will be reunited with their loved ones and the wicked will be excluded from this.

Question 2

What are some SOWAAs to support life after death?

Answer 2

Torah speaks of the patriarchs being “gathered to their people”. Also, “god will bring every deed into judgement… Whether it’s good or evil.”

Question 3

What are some different understandings of life after death?

Answer 3

1. Many Jews believe that life after death is spent in Gan Eden or Gehinnom.
2. Some see Gan Eden as a place of banquets, others see it as a spiritual closeness to God.
3. Most souls go to Gehinnom before Gan Eden some see it as torment, to others it’s purification.
4. Olamhaba- A term used to refer to the afterlife or the ‘world to come’. Maimonides believed that the resurrected will enjoy a second death, in which the righteous will live in the presence of God.

Question 4

Why is belief in life after death important for Jews today?

Answer 4

1. The torah are a direct communication from God, which must be believed.
   2.It is one of the 13 principles of faith.
2. They feel that for life to end at death does not make sense. If the purpose of your life is to live your life in way that you spend eternity in heaven, that gives your life meaning.