Jewish Beliefs about Life after Death Flashcards
Explain two reasons why Jews believe in life after death. (4)
- One reason is because the Torah teaches that people will be gathered to their people after death. This means that there will be an afterlife which involves meeting dead family. This is supported by ‘be gathered to your people.’
- A second reason is because Jews believe that God will end the world and raise the dead. This is important as it shows that after dying, Jews will be raised by God meaning there is life after death.
SOWAA for raising bodies.
‘their bodies will rise.’
SOWAA for the soul returning to God.
‘spirit returns to God.’
SOWAA for importance of keeping commandments.
‘God will bring every deed into judgement.’
SOWAA for the thirteen principles of faith mentioning life after death.
‘i believe with perfect faith that there will be a resurrection of the dead.’
Outline three different disagreements about resurrection. (3)
- One is that resurrection of the dead will occur at the Messianic Age.
- A second is that only the righteous will be resurrected.
- A third is that everyone will be resurrected and the day of judgement will follow.
Explain two different beliefs about the nature of judgement. (4)
- One belief is that judgement is purely based on behavior. This means that those who sin will go to hell and others will go to heaven.
- A second belief is that they should focus on this life rather than a possible afterlife. This is because nobody is certain of if there really is a life after death.
Explain two different beliefs about heaven and hell. (4)
- One belief is that the souls of the totally righteous ascend to Heaven. This means that the souls of ordinary people go to Gehinnom.
- A second belief is that Gehinnom is like Catholic purgatory. This means that Jews go their to have their sins purified through punishment and fire.
Explain two reasons why belief in life after death is important for Jews today. (5)
- One reason is because it is the teaching of the Tenakh. This is important because Jews believe that the first five books of the Tenakh are a direct communication from God so it must be believed.
- A second reason is because it is one of the beliefs in the thirteen principles of faith. This is important because Jews feel that they should believe in them. This is supported by ‘i believe with perfect faith that there will be a resurrection of the dead.’
Explain two different Jewish beliefs about life after death. (4)
- One belief is that Conservatives believe that people will be judged based on how they lived on earth. This means that their beliefs and behavior will be taken into account.
- A second belief is that Liberals believe in the immortality of the soul not resurrection. This means that the soul lives even after the body has died so there will be no resurrection.
Explain two similar Jewish beliefs about life after death. (4)
- One similarity is that both Liberals and Conservatives believe that this life is not all there is. This means that there is life after death.
- A second similarity is that there will be some form of judgement after death. This is important as the judgement will be based on how they lived on earth.
