Jewish Escahtology

Eschatology refers to the expectation of the end of time and eventual human demise. This broad definition includes possibilities such as the end of the human world or physical earth or even the transfer of earth into heaven or vice-versa. The cause of this is usually viewed as being divine, transcendent or supernatural. Therefore the question of eschatology varies between different religions. Jewish eschatology relies heavily on the Tenach, in particular the Pentateuch, but as there is not much dogma about these issues there is also much room for personal interpretation.

Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human existence. However, Judaism is predominantly focused on how to live life at the present rather than in the future therefore there is limited information about the topic. Because of this there are many different views on the afterlife that have been established by different people. Many Orthodox Jews believe that the souls of the righteous dead go to a place similar to the Christian heaven while others believe that everyone simply waits for the coming of the Messiah w

While the Torah emphasizes immediate, concrete and physical rewards and punishments rather than those in the afterlife there is clear evidence of belief in existence after death. An example of this is in Daniel 12:2 “Many of those who have already died will live again: some will enjoy eternal life, and some will suffer eternal disgrace.” Following this there is evidence of punishment for committing sins in Genesis 17:14 “Any male who has not been circumcised will no longer be considered one of my people, because he has not kept the covenant with me.” and again in Exodus 31:14 “You must keep the day of rest, because it is sacred. Whoever does not keep it, but works on the day will be put to death.” While the latter should not be taken literally, both signify that sinful people’s souls will be cut off from God in the World to Come.

The spiritual afterlife is called Olam Ha-Ba in Hebrew and means The World to Come (the messianic age is also referred to as Olam Ha-Ba and can become quite confusing). Jews prepare themselves for Olam Ha-Ba through their good deeds and their Torah study. They also believe that a righteous person will have a bigger share in Olam Ha-Ba than an average person while wicked people do not have a share at all. However Judaism is not a preparation for the afterlife and focuses more on life and how to live it. A fundamental view in Judaism is that everyone from all religions and nations has a share in Olam Ha-Ba based on merit and that all of humanity is capable of being righteous in God’s eyes. Following from this, a place of spiritual reward for the very righteous is referred to as Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden, though not the same place as Adam and Eve). There are many different descriptions of this place however no living person can comprehend what Gan Eden will be like, much like the Christian Heaven. While only the very righteous go to Gan Eden, the average person will descend into Gehinnon wher

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