It seems to me that every Jewish person among our family and friends has a different view on the afterlife. Some believe we are returned to dust and there is no afterlife. Some beieve we rest in our graves until the Moshiach returns and a reurrection of sorts occurs. Some believe that we go to "heaven", still others believe we go to Paradise until Jerusalem is restored to its former glory (and more). THen there are those who believe that we must first correct our lives and once we have done so by coming back we complete that. Then we go on to be with Him.

My first ( and every Jew's) concern should be THIS LIFE, and to focus on living it correctly.

But the question of afterlife is something my children ask me about and they both claim they want to "go to Jerusalem when they die". I don't blame them, that is my idea of heaven as well--Jerusalem in peace.

But I wuld like to know what the sages say about afterlife so I can properly educate them from a biblical perspective.

Personally--My idea of heaven is frankly my friend's idea of hell. I would love to be holed up in a Yeshiva ten stories high, six days a week, with all the ancient books (and whatever else would be in HaSh-m's library) and He would come and speak on the deep things everyday. Perhaps he has a taylored place for each of those He deems worthy?

Your thoughts and own beliefs are so welcome. I am also taking a survey to get an idea about what otehr people here at the forum believe.

Shalom to you and yours, and may we all end up in aplace of glory with HaSh-m.

Yocheved

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rabbi Mitterhoff,

Gut Voch!

Amen to your Brocha, and so for you as well!

There are people on this forum who are much more qualified than I to answer your question, but I'll say a few words to perhaps point in the right direction....

It is one of the Thirteen Fundamental Principles, that some are accustomed to say each day, that there will be a Revival of the Dead when G-d so wishes it to be.

The third chapter of the first section of Derech Hashem, by R' Moshe Chaim Luzzato, deals with these topics (what happens after death, and what happens with the Revival of the Dead, etc.) and I personally would recomend you read them yourself, because it is a very complicated, and sensitive topic, and would probably be misunderstood in a situation like an Internet forum. An English translation is available for purchase here. This book addresses major and fundamental issues of our Faith.

I hope this helps you, and all that read it!
Dovi

Thankyou Dove--tha s the third good book recommended to me on this forum!
Shalom, Yocheved

There was someone who told me once that the dead will rise when Moshiach comes and will live here on earth (the descriptions of the children being a hundred years old, etc. and the leaves of the trees used as medicines) until they die eventually and then go on to paradise.