what does judaism think about the concept of heaven and hell?

F

FunkyBirdizaCHICK

New member
It's not something that's a very big issue in Judaism. Some Jews believe in it; some simply say that we die, and that's it. We really just don't sit around worrying about the next life; we believe in living THIS one, because we KNOW we have that, and we believe that's why we're here. If there's a next life, then the powers that be will take care of it.

There is a concept of reincarnation in Judaism, but only in rare instances. Some believe that if a person's life is cut off abruptly, "before his time," that they may be "sent back" to finish up what they started. But there are about as many beliefs about what comes after this life as there are Jews to consider the issue. Our favorite saying: "Two Jews, at LEAST three opinions!" We love to discuss stuff, and argue about it.
 
E

EddieJ1

Member
There is very little dogma on the afterlife in Judaism. So, there are a variety of beliefs. Each Jew can decide for themselves what to believe. Jews do NOT start different congregations in order for everyone to share a particular belief in the afterlife. Most seem to think that ordinary bad people will be purified (for a period that is no longer than 11 months) and then go to heaven. The very bad people (the worst of the worst) fail to be purified after 12 months and then they just die.

Jews focus on living this life, not worrying about the afterlife.

http://www.jewfaq.org/olamhaba.htm
http://www.aish.com/jl/48929477.html
 
Top