Interfaith groups notwithstanding, major religions of the world have a big problem with each other; it's called Hell. They don't bring it up at the meetings on religious tolerance, but the official Catholic policy is that Protestants, Muslims, and Jews go to hell. Protestants say that Catholics, Muslims and Jews go to hell. And Muslims say that Christians and Jews go to hell. Although on an individual level we can ignore this, theologically it is a wall that separates major world religions.
Many liberal-minded religionists are uncomfortable with this perspective, but that remains today the official dogma. This presents a difficulty in religions embracing one another as valid roads to the same destination. How can I walk arm-in-arm with someone who believes I am destined to pain and suffering for eternity, whether I am a decent moral person or not?
A man and woman who were dating came to me for counseling. She believed in Jesus, he was a traditional Jew. I asked her how she could consider marrying someone she thinks will burn in everlasting damnation. She laughed nervously, "Well, I haven't exactly worked that out yet."
From Jewish tradition, a different viewpoint emerges starting with the fact that there doesn't exist the concept of everlasting damnation and torture. The Almighty's justice is not served by punishing someone forever. Justice means the punishment fits the crime. Since we are finite and our sins are finite, then our punishment or atonement must be finite. To take it one step further, the very connection with wrongdoing is an act of connecting to that which is temporary, physical, devoid of Godliness. On the other hand, when you do a mitzvah, you become one with God who is eternal. Evil and bad by definition do not exist forever; therefore the atonement period for wrongdoing is a fixed period of time.
When you do a mitzvah, you become one with God who is eternal.
This temporary place of atonement is called Gehenom, and lasts for 11 or 12 months after someone passes away. (Which is the reason why Kaddish is said for that time period. The recitation of Kaddish atones for the soul, which mitigates the suffering of Gehenom.) Also, the suffering is not fire and brimstone, but rather something more directly related to the transgressions. There are those who suggest the nature of this punishment is actually the embarrassment of standing before God, aware of your transgressions. What could be more painful than that?
This embarrassment wipes away the barrier you created between you and God when you committed the transgression, and therefore is a great benefit. The atonement process is not so much a punishment as it is a spiritual dry-cleaning to rid you of any blemishes you may have on your soul before you enter the next phase, oneness with God.
Phase Two is known as the World of Souls and consists of all the souls worthy of a connection with God. This experience is still somewhat lacking until the end of days when the entire creation is corrected and rectified. Until then, righteous souls exist in a minor temporary oneness with God. Even though it's not full oneness with God, this phase is still awesomely pleasurable.
Good Seats
Getting back to judgment, Gehenom is not the same for everyone who goes there. Each individual experiences the atonement for his or her own specific transgressions. It's a uniquely personal event.
Heaven, known as the World to Come, is also a uniquely personal experience. You only have the closeness to God that you've created. Every mitzvah that you do is a piece of Godliness that's incorporated into your soul. In the next world you will realize what that closeness means for eternity. Each person will only experience the bond they have created.
Imagine a football game, there are the 50-yard-line seats, and different levels all the way up to the cheap nosebleed seats. If you've really blown it, you can end up in the hotdog stand forever. Therefore according to the Jews, it's not necessary for you to be Jewish to end up in Heaven; it all depends on your relationship with God.
This World and the Next
It's important to note that the World to Come and Gehenom are not mentioned specifically in the Five Books of Moses. It is spoken about only in the books of the Prophets, the Writings, and the Talmud. If it's such a crucial part of Jewish philosophy, why is it absent form the Torah?
Heaven is not discussed in the Torah, to emphasize that we do what's right because it's right.
The answer is that we are not meant to dwell on the reward and punishment that awaits us in the next world. You can be a righteous person your whole life, do every single commandment, stop hunger, bring about world peace, save the ozone and cure all disease. But if you did it all for your reward in the next world, you've lived a selfish life, which is the opposite of being one with God.
The Almighty needs nothing. He is infinite, and therefore every one of His acts is purely altruistic. Heaven is not discussed in the Torah, in order to emphasize the necessity to do what's right because it's right, and not for the reward, or to avoid punishment.
The Talmud relates many incidents of people who passed away making contact with the living and telling of conversations, debates, and other bits of information from the world beyond. Similarly, many people (myself included) claim to have seen a dead relative in a dream. Even with all these "eye witness" accounts of the world beyond, we still do not have a clear picture of what its like there, nor can we, until we shuffle off this "mortal coil."
One thing's for sure, returning our soul to its source is the ultimate pleasure a being can experience. Death, then, is not a tragedy from a kabbalistic view. It is a realization of our purpose, its coming home. The problem with death is that it cuts off any further spiritual growth. We delay death as long as possible, but once it happens, the soul is delighted to be reunited with God. For this reason some kabbalists have asked their students to celebrate at their demise. Lag B'Omer, the anniversary of the death of the greatest known kabbalist, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, is celebrated with great fanfare (and great bonfires) by people all over the world.
Life is precious. We wish for long life, to do mitzvot, grow spiritually, and gain the greatest closeness we can to the Almighty in this world. But when the time comes for us to leave this world, there's no need to fear the next step. It's merely a step along the path to the ultimate pleasure of being one with God.
(19) Anonymous, January 30, 2017 2:06 PM
Excellent article and very well written!! Thanks for posting!
(18) June Wilson, December 17, 2015 11:01 PM
Catholic DO NOT believe non-Catholics are going to hell
Please refer to Pope Frances' statement that even atheists can be "saved" from hell. They must, however, do good works and lead an ethical life. This is the concept call "baptism by desire." I was raised Catholic and was taught repeatedly that Catholics DO NOT have a lock on heaven. It's open to all loving, kind and ethical persons. Where did you get this idea????
(17) Ashira, December 17, 2015 12:57 AM
"You only have the closeness to God that you've created"
Shalom and todah for this wonderful article. Please help me and tell me the sources for this: "In the next world you will realize what that closeness means for eternity. Each person will only experience the bond they have created." I must speak with my Rav about this as soon as possible and I would need the sources first. I'm close to tears as my bond is not as tight as I want it to be. Thank you for reading and all the best, Ashira
(16) Anonymous, September 20, 2014 8:43 AM
Still, in everything that you have said it all remains theory, your theory, "This temporary place of atonement is called Gehenom, and lasts for 11 or 12 months after someone passes away." Have you been there to claim this? If you mention in your article "Heaven is not discussed in the Torah, to emphasize that we do whats right, because it's right". Why contradict yourself by trying to explain what will happen after this life? The only thing that remains certain and absolute is walking in G-d's ways, if we fear G-d the technicalities of the next life doesn't matter. What matters is the here and now, this moment, this very second, making this moment "Heaven", fearing G-d this second, the rest (including the World to Come) becomes insignificant.
(15) Shoshana - Jerusalem, September 8, 2014 8:50 PM
non-Jews
It is true that a non-Jew doesn't have to be a Jew. But he does have to observe the Seven Mitzvos of the Children of Noach. And he has to do them l'sheim shemayim, for the sake of Heaven, .i.e. because G-d commanded them, not because they seem morally correct.
But there is reward for non-Jews, for the righteous among the
nations, those who have saved Jews.
(14) Anonymous, September 4, 2014 1:57 AM
Tomorrow morning...
Tomorrow morning I undergo a procedure to see if I can have surgery to replace my right shoulder. I'm in a great deal of pain. But knowing that should something go wrong tomorrow, 9/4, I could wind up with a stroke, a heart attack, or death.
I don't think that any of those things will happen to me, but still my nerves are on edge.
As for performing mitzvahs, I never tell anyone what I have done; it is between me and Hashem. I can honestly say that I don't think about getting a reward for doing good, all I can hope for is an opportunity to perform another. I enjoy doing what I can when I can even when it costs me something I wanted or had. It's not mine to begin with,it's all a gift from Hashem to begin with.
Anonymous, September 8, 2014 8:44 PM
refuah sh'leima
Please let us know how you are doing.
(13) Elijah, November 2, 2011 2:12 PM
doing right for reward or because of punishment
Torah has a blessing and a curse. A reward for keeping the law and punishment for breaking it. The notion that people were to do right because it's right is noble but in reality they were still rewarded or punished.
(12) Gavin, August 17, 2011 3:59 AM
Daniel 12:2
"Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt." This clearly teaches that where you go after death is eternal.
(11) Anonymous, March 20, 2011 9:15 AM
Is heaven (the reward) finite too?
Thank you Rabbi Weiman and Aish.com for this article. "Since we are finite and our sins are finite, then our punishment or atonement must be finite." If this is the case, do you suppose that heaven (the reward) is finite as well?
Shoshana- Jerusalem, September 8, 2014 8:42 PM
reward
Our reward is forever and ever, for all eternity.
(10) Pessy, October 12, 2010 3:27 PM
Great article
This explains things quite well. It gives me a postive understanding of the role of heaven and hell. Thank you for an inspiring and well written article! Yasher Koach.
(9) Anonymous, June 12, 2009 4:42 PM
accuracy
It really is not true that Catholic teaching is that Jews go to hell. There are probably some evangelical Protestants who teach this, but not Catholics. The Catholic church teaches that persons of all faiths of good action and conscience go to heaven. In fact, it is the case that the official Catholic teaching is that Jews are "first to hear the Word of God" and "elder brothers in faith" and that they have a covenant which is not revoked as God does not repent of promises made. One will meet of course individual Catholics who do not follow this, but it is in spite of Catholic teaching, not because of it. This is similar to when individual Jews opposed racial equality, for example-- one does not see them as personifying Torah values. I read Aish.com weekly and have gained much guidance and benefit from your excellent site-- thank you! However, I believe that it would be beneficial to check these kinds of facts before publishing since such mistakes cause misunderstanding. Thank you.
Sarah, March 13, 2013 3:46 AM
Same for Muslims
There are Muslims who believe other Muslims are going to hell, over minor deviations of practice....and one can find the same attitude among some Jews. Nonetheless, the majority and historical opinion of Muslims is "that despite all theological problems of their faiths, Jews and Christians and all monotheists are eligible for heaven" Pretty much same as Jewish beliefs on the matter of Muslims and Christians.
(8) Shua, June 11, 2009 11:45 PM
To Nancy - Hell is described as the place non-Jesus accepters go to....
In the New Testament, it is described as the place or state of punishment after death or last judgment for those who have rejected Jesus. Biblical Reference: John 3:18 ” Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son” Hell is taught as the final destiny of those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior after they have passed through the great white throne of judgment. Revelation 20:11 Romans 6:23
(7) Nancy, June 7, 2009 12:39 PM
Heaven and Hell
I am a Roman Catholic subscriber to the aish.com becasue I admire and respect the Jewish faith. I must comment on today's story, "Hell No We Won't Go". It is absolutely not official Catholic teaching that non-Catholics go to Hell. The teaching is that persons of any faith may attain salvation if according to their true conscience, love God and try to live a moral life. ( I do not have the exact wording in front of me)I an almost 60, I remember the nuns telling us this in Catechism class, I was also told this by my godmother's brother who was a promient Jesuit moral theologian and in my time at Fordham University. What some individual Catholics may have stated , that's a different story !
(6) Anonymous2, June 3, 2009 12:27 AM
Maybe it's just my imagination...
I'm a 13 year old girl. Maybe it's just my imagination...But I had a dream and I was younger, about 5. Everyone in the house was in mourning because a great Tzaddik had died. I was laying on my bed on top of a great Rabbi's lap. I sensed his holiness and I knew he was the one that had died. He put like this light. To describe it a bit more, a tennis ball sized orb of white energy. When I woke up, I felt like a warmth inside of me. Kind of how I imagined true happiness would feel like. I feared it might go away so I decided to start davening Shachris again because logically, if I made myself more holy, it would linger for at least a few more weeks. I loved the feeling. When I went out to get the mail late at night, I used to be afraid. But this time when I went, I was so undoubtedly sure that Hashem was Totally guarding me!!! It was, in one word, wow. After about 4 to 5 days, I didn't say Shachris once. I didn't have the feeling/warmth that day. The following few days I resumed saying Shachris every morning and it came back. Kind of like my second chance. I was so greatful. But after about 3 days, I missed another Shachris and this time, it didn't return. Honestly, I felt like I got a window sneak peak of part of what's waiting in Olam Habah if I fulfill my potential. Maybe it's just my imagination...
(5) Elisheva, June 1, 2009 6:19 AM
Enjoyed wonderful near-death experience
After a terrible car crash, I had a near-death experience. I found myself in the presence of an awesome Light. The Light was loving and peaceful. There was nothing to be afraid of. I knew that if I continued my journey I would be going to a wonderful place. But the Light showed me the faces of my two small children, and for their sake I was given the choice of coming back to Earth. I was not an especially good person, but since that time I've known there is nothing to be afraid of after death
(4) Chava Smith Ashkenazi, June 1, 2009 5:42 AM
Beautiful
This is a beautifully clear and lucid article, with so many insights bound to inform and strengthen our relationship with Hashem. Wonderful to hear from you so long after those years in the Old City. B'hatzlacha!
(3) Joe Whitehead, May 31, 2009 4:49 PM
One can't change their nature in the after life
I believe Hell is a place that is without the presence of God. Souls such as Hitler's has to have entered into an existence with no foundation-connection with God, a sort of bottomless pit. See Daniel 12:2
(2) George, May 31, 2009 8:40 AM
Missing puzzle
I think this is the missing puzzle for everyone to live a purposeful life instead of the mind stunting fear that is being inflicted on people's minds everyday.
(1) Roxanne, May 31, 2009 8:37 AM
Great
"Therefore according to the Jews, it's not necessary for you to be Jewish to end up in Heaven, it all depends on your relationship with God." Never understood that until now....writing that the afterlife, both reward and punishment, is a "uniquely personal event" makes everything much clearer. Thanks!!