Jewish Views of the Afterlife

As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away, he that goes down to the grave shall come up no more.

And Abraham expired, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, a hundred and thirty and seven years; and he expired and died; and was gathered unto his people.

And Isaac expired, and died, and was gathered unto his people, old and full of days; and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

And when Jacob made an end of charging his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and expired, and was gathered unto his people.

Rabbi Jacob said: This world is like an entry hall before the next world; prepare yourself in the hall, so that you may enter the banquet.

It is written in the book of Ben Sira: Do not study what is beyond you; do not research what is covered from you. Contemplate the realm that is permitted to you; you have no business with that which is hidden.

Rav used to say: The world-to-come is not like this world. In the world-to-come, there is no eating, drinking, procreation, business dealings, jealousy, hatred, or competition. Rather, the righteous sit with their crowns on their heads and enjoy the splendor of God.

The rabbi used to say: One hour of repentance and good deeds in this world is better than an eternity in the next world. And one hour of pleasure in the next world is better than eternity in this world.

Rava said: After departing from this world, a person's life is judged, and they ask him:

Did you conduct business faithfully?

Did you set times for learning Torah?

Did you start a family?

Did you await salvation?

Did you engage in careful learning to distinguish one thing from another?

And even beyond all of these questions, if he revered God, then he is worthy; if not, then none of these accomplishments have any value.