Definition of Life After Death in Judaism
In Judaism, life after death is referred to as ‘ollam’ and is a concept of re-birth, or reincarnation, in which a soul is born into a new body. The belief is that the soul starts in a state of purity and promise, and begins a journey to find its divine purpose and fulfilment. Biblically, it is written that people are “of dust and so they shall return”, meaning that the cycle of life and death is connected in a never-ending cycle of return. The journey of the soul during this cycle is determined by its past deeds in the physical world – known as the ‘olam hazeh’ or the ‘the worldly realm’. In Judaism, this afterlife realm is called ‘Gan Eden’ or ‘the Garden of Eden’.
Origins of Life After Death Beliefs in Judaism
Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world and life after death beliefs have been present in the religion for centuries. In the 5th century BCE, the prophet Isaiah wrote extensively about the power of resurrecting the dead. He wrote about how, “many who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” This verse, and others like it, are believed to be a reference to life after death in Judaism.
Other ancient resources that describe such beliefs include the ‘Book of Enoch.’ Written in the 2nd century BCE, this book states that all people have an eternal soul that must fulfil its higher purpose in the afterlife. According to the Book of Enoch, the judgement of everyone who dies will determine which of the five levels of paradise they enter. Depending on which they enter, they will either have a period of blissful transition to the spiritual world, or an exhausting journey back into embodied form.
Heaven and Hell in Jewish Mysticism
In Jewish mysticism, heaven and hell are often described as two distinct realms. According to this belief, heaven is home to human souls when they die, while hell is reserved for those who have committed major sins during their lifetime. In both realms, however, the individual cannot escape the judgment of their former deeds. Heaven is a place where souls receive rewards based on their good deeds, while in hell they are punished for their transgressions. In both realms, souls also receive spiritual guidance to help them reach a higher level of enlightenment in the afterlife.
The notion of heaven and hell is strongly connected to the Jewish concept of ‘klippah’, which are physical and spiritual obscurations that hamper a person’s spiritual growth. Klippot are seen as negative influences that the soul must overcome in order to gain enlightenment. It is thought that the faith and deeds of a person in this life can help to reduce the klippah, which will allow them to be accepted into heaven.
Levaya and Mourning Rituals
In Jewish tradition, it is believed that when a person dies, their soul is escorted to heaven by angels known as ‘malachim’. The malachim assume the form of a dove and take the soul up to heaven. This process, known as ‘levaya’, is often accompanied by a ritual of mourning which includes the reading of Kaddish, a prayer praising God and asking for His mercy. It is believed that this ritual helps the soul find peace in its new home in heaven.
The Jewish community continues to mourn the deceased for a period of time known as the ‘shivah’. During this time, family and friends gather together to honour the memory of the deceased and remember the good deeds they performed in this life. It is believed that the prayers said during this time help the departed soul receive their divine reward.
Summary for Jewish Funeral and Burial
In Judaism, the funeral is an important part of the death process. A Jewish funeral should take place as soon as possible after death and involve mourning rites to send the deceased on their way to the afterlife. The body is washed and dressed before being placed in the coffin for burial. The gravesite must be honoured with stones, which act as a physical reminder of the deceased’s presence.
During the funeral, mourners gather around the coffin and pray for the deceased’s soul. The prayer includes ‘Kaddish’, a prayer that praises God and asks for his mercy. After the burial, the mourners stay for a period of time to honour the deceased’s memory and say their final farewells.
Reincarnation and its Importance in Judaism
Judaism recognises reincarnation as an important part of life after death. It is believed that when a person dies, their soul is reborn into a new body and a new life. This cycle continues until the soul has fulfilled its divine purpose. The way in which the soul’s next life is determined is based on its past deeds, known as the ‘Gematria’.
In Judaism, reincarnation is an important part of the death process. It is believed that the soul’s next life will include different experiences and a new outlook on life. The purpose of reincarnation is to give the soul another chance to fulfil its purpose and gain divine enlightenment. It also allows the soul to learn from its mistakes and gain wisdom from its experiences.
Rebirth and What It Means for The Soul
In Judaism, rebirth is seen as an integral part of the afterlife experience. When the soul is reborn, it is believed that it carries with it both the positive and negative experiences from its previous lives. Depending on the karmic energy or ‘keva’, the soul may be reborn into a new family, in a new environment, or even in a new country.
The purpose of this rebirth is to give the soul a chance to redeem itself, to learn from its mistakes, and to fulfill its spiritual destiny. With each rebirth, the soul has the chance to start over and create a fresh beginning, unburdened by the mistakes and regrets of its past life.
Conclusion
In summary, life after death in Judaism is a complex and fascinating concept. It includes beliefs about afterlife realms, heaven and hell, mourning rituals, and the concept of reincarnation. These beliefs have evolved over centuries and remain an important part of the Jewish faith and culture today.
