Life after death

What are the two main beliefs about when Jews will be judged after death?

Some believe judgement happens immediately after death; others believe it occurs on the Day of Judgement

Quote a scripture that supports the idea of resurrection for judgement.

(Daniel 12:2: "Multitudes who sleep in the dust will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame...")

Which of Maimonides’ 13 Principles refers to resurrection?

(Principle 13: "Belief in the resurrection of the dead.")

How is Gan Eden described in Jewish belief?

A place of spiritual reward for the righteous, likened to the Garden of Eden or closeness to God.

Do all Jews view Gan Eden as a physical place? Explain.

No—some see it as a state of consciousness or spiritual nearness to God.

What is the purpose of Sheol?

A temporary place of soul-cleansing/purification for the average person

what is Gehinnom

A place of severe punishment and torment, some view it as a place of remorse and repentance

How long can a soul remain in Gehinnom?

12 months maximum

where do souls ascend to after Gehinnom

Olam Ha-ba

where do jews who live sinless lives go to after they die

directly to Gan Eden

what 2 things do Olam-Ha-Ba refer to

the messianic age, The world to come

Why is there no single Jewish belief about the afterlife?

The Torah focuses on earthly life; afterlife ideas developed later and vary.

How does Jewish Gehinnom differ from Christian Hell?

Gehinnom is temporary (max 12 months); Hell is eternal in Christianity.

What is the key difference between Gan Eden and Olam Ha-Ba?

Gan Eden is individual spiritual reward; Olam Ha-Ba is collective future peace/afterlife

Ecclesiastes 12:14

"God will bring every deed into judgment,"