Life after death (Judaism)

Judaism encompasses a range of beliefs about life after death, but the emphasis is generally placed on living a moral and faithful life in the present rather than focusing on the afterlife. Jewish holy books contain few detailed teachings about what happens after death, and there is significant diversity in interpretation across different Jewish denominations and traditions.

Rejoining Ancestors and Sheol

One traditional belief is that Jews rejoin their ancestors after death, symbolising continuity and connection with the community of the faithful. Another concept, found in earlier Jewish texts, is Sheol, described as a dark, shadowy place where the soul waits. Sheol is a temporary state in which the soul may be purified before moving on to its final destiny. Job 10:10-22 refers to this as a “land of gloom and deep shadow,” a place where even light is like darkness.

Olam Haba – The World to Come

Many Jews believe in Olam Haba, or the World to Come, though interpretations vary. Some understand it as a spiritual realm, while others see it as a place of great pleasure and reward. It is often described as the state where the righteous live on in God’s presence. Daniel 12:2-3 supports this idea, stating that “multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Immortality of the Soul and Resurrection

Among non-Orthodox Jews, the immortality of the soul is a common belief. The soul is seen as a divine essence, reflecting God’s spirit, and is considered spiritual in nature. This perspective often allows for cremation, as the physical body is not central to the afterlife.

In contrast, many Orthodox Jews believe in bodily resurrection at the end of time. Burial is therefore the norm, as it preserves the body for eventual resurrection. Maimonides’ Thirteenth Principle of Faith asserts that God will resurrect the dead. There is some debate about the timing of resurrection—some believe it will occur during the Messianic Age, while others think it will happen afterward. Views also differ on who will be resurrected; some believe only the righteous, while others include righteous individuals of all faiths.

Judgement, Gan Eden, and Gehinnom

Judaism teaches that God will judge the dead, determining their eligibility for Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden or paradise) or Gehinnom (a purifying place akin to Purgatory). Gehinnom is described in the Talmud (Berakhot 57b:13) as a fire a sixtieth part the intensity of Gehenna’s ultimate torment, intended to purify souls before they enter Gan Eden. Maimonides also notes that “the pious of all nations of the world will have a portion in the World to Come,” highlighting the universal aspect of divine justice.

Reincarnation and Gilgul

Some Ashkenazi, Hasidic, and Sephardi Jews, particularly Kabbalists, believe in Gilgul, the transmigration or reincarnation of souls. This process allows souls multiple lifetimes to fulfill the 613 mitzvot (commandments), completing their spiritual purpose and contributing to tikkun olam, the healing and restoration of the world. This belief reflects divine compassion, as it provides souls the opportunity to achieve spiritual completion.

Sources of Authority

• Genesis 35:29 – “Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years.”

• Isaiah 26 – describes the dead rising again.

• Job 10:10-22 – describes Sheol as a land of deep shadow.

• Genesis 3:22 – God prevents Adam from eating from the Tree of Life, implying limits on human immortality.

• Daniel 12:2-3 – speaks of resurrection to everlasting life or contempt.

• Talmud, Berakhot 57b:13 – describes Gehinnom as a purifying fire.

• Maimonides’ 13 Principles of Faith – affirms resurrection and the World to Come.