What Happens To The Body After Death In Judaism

Physical Preparation and Rituals

Judaism places a strong emphasis on the honour of the deceased and incorporates rituals that focus on respect and cleanliness. Immediately after the death of a person, their body is washed and the eyes and mouth are closed. The body is dressed in special clothing and covered with a white sheet.¹ It is important for the deceased to be buried as soon as possible, accompanied by close family members and friends.² In the Jewish faith, the body is the home of the soul and therefore must be treated with respect.³ Before the body is laid to rest, a special prayer is said which acknowledges the individual’s life and expresses hope for a peaceful afterlife.⁴ In some traditions, the body is laid in the ground before the funeral.

Where Is The Soul?

After the body is buried, the soul is believed to be sent to a holding place between heaven and earth. In Jewish texts, this place is often referred to as ‘Gan Eden’ (Paradise). Here, the soul is said to wait until the day of judgement – a time when God decides whether it will ascend to heaven, or remain on earth.⁵ According to Judaism, it can take up to a year for the soul to make its journey to the afterlife. During this time, there are certain laws and rituals that are practiced, such as reciting Kaddish, a mourner’s prayer, and making regular visits to the grave to remember and honour the deceased.⁶

What Happens To The Body After Death?

No part of the body is left behind in the grave. Over time, the body decomposes and the spirit is released back into the environment.⁷ Judaism does not believe in a literal resurrection of the dead; rather, it focuses on the existence of a soul, which transcends death and continues to exist in the afterlife.⁸ This has led to the belief that, in some way, a person’s life and deeds will be judged and their soul will go to the afterlife.

Eternal Soul or Reincarnation?

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Although most Jews believe that the soul is eternal and can never be destroyed, there are some sects that believe in reincarnation. Those who follow this belief believe that when a person dies, their soul is reborn in another body, and that the soul can continue to reincarnate until it reaches its ultimate goal – perfection.⁹ This belief has been around since ancient times and is based on various mystical texts and teachings.

The Afterlife

The afterlife is believed to be a place of peace and tranquillity, where souls are reunited with loved ones and redeemed from their worldly sins and transgressions. Jewish beliefs about the afterlife are not fully known, with some texts indicating that there may be a physical heavenly realm and others suggesting that the afterlife is more spiritual in nature.¹⁰ Whatever the case may be, the Jewish faith believes that the afterlife is better than this world and that, in some way, the soul will continue to live, even if the physical body has perished.

Mourning Practices

Mourning is an important part of the Jewish faith and is seen as a way of honouring the deceased. After the death of a person, family and friends will gather for a period of seven days, known as shiva. During this time, followers of the Jewish faith will dress in mourning, abstain from sexual relations and focus on prayer.¹¹ This is a special time of remembrance and reflection and is seen as essential to the mourning process. There are also other rituals that are observed during shiva and beyond, such as lighting memorial candles, Tashlich and Hebrew prayers.

The Purpose of Life

In Judaism, life is seen as a journey, with the ultimate goal being to reach a state of perfection. Every person’s actions and deeds will be weighed up in the afterlife, with the individual’s soul ultimately being sent to either heaven or hell depending on the outcome.¹² This belief system has led to many followers of the Jewish faith seeking to live a life filled with righteousness and purity, which will not only bring them closer to God, but can also potentially lead to a more peaceful afterlife.

The Significance of Faith

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The Jewish faith places a strong emphasis on the idea of faith and believes that by living in accordance with righteousness and purity, a person will be closer to God. Living a life of faith can help to bring a person closer to God and to their ultimate goal – a better life after death. Ultimately, the actions of each individual will be judged and the soul will find its ultimate resting place in either heaven or hell.¹³

The Unseen Reality

Judaism believes that the afterlife is an unseen reality that cannot be fully understood. Those who practice the faith accept that death is part of life and that the afterlife is ultimately God’s ultimate judgment for each individual. Ultimately, each person will be judged according to his/her faith and deeds, and be sent either to heaven or hell.¹⁴

Conclusion

Although death is an unavoidable part of life, Judaism believes in a comforting afterlife that offers hope and peace. By living a life of faith and righteousness, one can make their journey to the afterlife more peaceful and secure. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to lead a life that is worthy of a good afterlife, and it is up to God to send each individual to their final resting place.
¹Jewish Death and Mourning. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-death-and-mourning
²Ibid.
³Leviticus 21:1-4
⁴Ibid.
⁵Ehrlich, C. (2018, August 7). Judaism and Belief in the Afterlife. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.thoughtco.com/judaism-and-belief-in-the-afterlife-701796
⁶Jewish Death and Mourning.
⁷Ehrlich, C.
⁸ibid.
⁹Ibid.
¹⁰Ibid.
¹¹Jewish Death and Mourning.
¹²Ehrlich, C.
¹³Ibid.
¹⁴Ibid.