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What defines success in life (in a Jewish outlook)?

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3 Answers

up vote 9 down vote accepted

Hm ...

Well, the Gemara Shabbos 31a says that a person will be given the following six-question test after they die; however, this all assumes the person was God-fearing:

אמר רבא: בשעה שמכניסין אדם לדין, אומרים לו: נשאת ונתת באמונה? קבעת עתים לתורה? עסקת בפו"ר? צפית לישועה? פלפלת בחכמה? הבנת דבר מתוך דבר? ואפ"ה אי יראת ה' היא אוצרו

  1. Did you do your business with integrity?
  2. Did you fix times for Torah-study?
  3. Were you involved in raising children?
  4. Did you look forward to the Redemption?
  5. Did you delve into wisdom?
  6. Were you able to apply one topic to another?

So I'd start with those (I know, I'm giving specifics and not generalities).

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Way to find an authoritative answer to such a subjective-looking question! This would be even better if you'd point to the particular source. – Isaac Moses Jun 10 '10 at 3:29
Thanks for adding your source! – Isaac Moses Jun 10 '10 at 16:11
up vote 4 down vote

Achieving greater closeness to G-d - one's own, and that of the wider world (all four of its kingdoms - human, animal, vegetable, and mineral) with which one interacts.

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up vote 2 down vote

Success in life (from a Jewish outlook) is defined by growth.

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1  
@adammosheh, I don't see how your edit is valid unless you consulted with Jeremy first. – Seth J Aug 6 '12 at 16:43

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