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In Judaism, beliefs about the afterlife are diverse and not as rigidly defined as in some other religions, with the focus often placed more on ethical living in this world than on detailed speculations about the next. The concept of an afterlife is rooted in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and elaborated in later texts like the Talmud and Midrash. Central to Jewish thought is Olam Ha-Ba, or “the World to Come,” which represents a future era of peace, resurrection, and divine justice, rather than an immediate post-death destination for all souls.

Upon death, the soul is believed to undergo a period of judgment and purification. According to traditional views, the righteous may experience Gan Eden (Garden of Eden), a paradise of spiritual bliss where souls enjoy closeness to God, study Torah, and partake in divine light. This heaven is not a physical place with material pleasures but a realm of intellectual and spiritual fulfillment, sometimes described as varying levels based on one’s merits. The wicked, conversely, face Gehenna (or Gehinnom), a place of temporary punishment and cleansing, often likened to a fiery purgatory where sins are atoned for over a period not exceeding 12 months. Judaism does not posit an eternal hell; even the most sinful souls are eventually purified and admitted to the World to Come, emphasizing God’s mercy.

The resurrection of the dead (Techiyat Ha-Metim) is a key eschatological belief, particularly in Orthodox Judaism, where at the end of days, during the Messianic era, bodies will be revived and reunited with souls for eternal life in a perfected world. Reform and Conservative branches may interpret these concepts more metaphorically, viewing the afterlife as the enduring impact of one’s deeds on earth—through memory, legacy, and the ongoing life of the community—rather than literal realms. Immortality is achieved through righteous actions, progeny, and contributions to society, as echoed in proverbs like “The righteous live forever through their good name.”

Overall, Jewish afterlife beliefs underscore ethical conduct, repentance (teshuvah), and the pursuit of justice (tzedek) in this life, with the promise that God’s ultimate plan includes redemption for all creation.