That's a real good question. There is no real consensus in Judaism in terms of whether there is an afterlife or not. The Orthodox Jew believes in an afterlife. The reformed and conservative Jewish philosophies are mixed, with most not believing in an afterlife or not knowing. When I lived in Israel, I asked a number of rabbis if there was an afterlife and never got the same answer. The gist of what I got was that G-d took your soul after you died and your soul went before a tribunal and was judged accordingly after a question and answer period. As for what kind of life ensued after that, the accounts were numerous.
Thing is, according to Judaism, G-d judges each person in this life based on the life they live and how they treat people. Charity, giving to others, being kind to others is highly valued.
We all know G-d is great, understanding and highly compassionate. Life is a gift given by G-d. The key is to cherish the gift you have been given. Most take it for granted until they get sick. Many complain that evil goes unpunished. But what is the life span of criminals and what do they experience inside themselves? It surely is not contentment. Look at the lives that the Mafia have led. Ultimately, a life of misery and early death.
Synagogue Sabbath service is all about praising G-d. But the key is to bring G-d's wisdom into this world and uphold his commandments.
I have been no angel. I have erred, lied, deceived, cheated, and use to have a bad temper. Most humans are a combination of good and evil.
Focus of Judaism is primarily on this life, bettering G-d's creation. Christianity is more of a salvation based religion. I have no idea which religion is right, maybe both?
Thought of an afterlife sounds fantastic to me. I have never bought into it. Never made any sense to me. In a way , I understand the concern, but in
another way, I never understand the preoccupation with afterlife. |
