Questions tagged [olam-haba-world-to-come]

Questions pertaining to Olam Haba - The World to Come

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
20 votes
2 answers
1k views

What Happens to People Who Don't Have a Portion in Olam Haba?

The last perek of Sanhedrin lists some people who have no share in Olam Haba. Other people who forfeit their share are discussed in the answers to this question: No Olam Habah for these? My question ...
SarahBrodsky's user avatar
19 votes
9 answers
3k views

Why is there no description of Olam Haba in the Torah?

According to the beginning of the Mesilas Yesharim, the entire purpose of creation is for man to merit Olam Haba (the bliss of the next world). If so, why is there no mention nor description of Olam ...
ray's user avatar
  • 21.1k
18 votes
7 answers
9k views

Non-Jews (Gentiles) in Olam Haba (Jewish Afterlife)?

Are there non-Jews in Olam Haba (the world to come), either in Gehenom (Hell) or Gan Eden (Heaven)?
shy''k's user avatar
  • 1,375
13 votes
6 answers
798 views

Intrinsic reasons for being observant

If a person doesn't care much about the reward in Olam Habah, what reasons does he have for being religious (learning torah and observing the mitzvot)? As a parable, a businessman might not care ...
Ani Yodea's user avatar
  • 13k
11 votes
2 answers
435 views

How can Eliyahu say that almost no one in the market has a share in Olam Haba?

Ta'anit 22a recounts (in the g'mara) a story of R. Beroka b. Haza'ah and Eliyahu ha-Navi in a marketplace in Be Lapat, which a note in my Soncino translation says is in Khuzistan. R. Beroka asks ...
Monica Cellio's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
336 views

Source for a story: Rambam paskening people out of heaven

I'm sorry to ask a source-seeking question (because I don't like seeing them myself), but I'm at a loss here in trying to find what I think is a theologically important Hassidic story. The story goes ...
הנער הזה's user avatar
11 votes
6 answers
1k views

Can a person sell their portion in heaven?

Can a person sell their portion in olam haba (heaven)? Is the sale valid and binding?
user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
2k views

Rambam on Olam Haba, Mashiach, and Techiyat haMeitim

Could somebody explain to me briefly what the Rambam's opinion is about the sequence of events with Olam HaBa, the Mashiach and Techiyat haMeitim? It seems that he's saying that when a person dies ...
Chanoch's user avatar
  • 10.8k
10 votes
2 answers
382 views

Do the parents of a convert merit in the afterlife for their child's decision?

When my child was little, she wanted to know whether my parents, who are not Jewish, would go to Heaven. I explained to her that the righteous of all nations have a place in the world to come. But ...
Bruce James's user avatar
  • 15.9k
9 votes
5 answers
2k views

References to resurrection and the afterlife in the Jewish Bible?

I am a Christian and have been studying what we call the Old Testament, and been surprised to have difficulty to find a reference to afterlife in the Jewish books of the Christian Canon. I know that ...
Aliostad's user avatar
  • 201
9 votes
4 answers
726 views

Source that we don't know how God judges people

I wrote in this answer, "We can't possibly know how God judges people after they die." I was making the point that the way we live our lives should be according to halacha but we can't possibly know ...
Daniel's user avatar
  • 24.7k
9 votes
1 answer
292 views

Fate of Ephraim and Menashe

Ephraim and Menashe were supposed to make great nations of themselves, as it is written. But since the first diaspora, their existence is either unknown or they have all died out. What can we say ...
yhyrcanus's user avatar
  • 211
9 votes
2 answers
253 views

Will reading Questions and Answers on Mi Yodeya gain a Jew entrance into Olam Haba?

"One who learns Halachos every day is a Ben Olam Haba" (Babylonian Talmud Niddah 73a) If a Jew reads the halachic questions and answers on this forum everyday, does that guarantee he or she will ...
Jake's user avatar
  • 1,422
8 votes
3 answers
5k views

Are non-Jews/gentiles permanent slaves to Jews in Olam Habah?

Are non-Jews permanent slaves to Jews in the world to come? I'll post the source text once I find it, or if someone can edit this and post the source for me. I believe it's in the Talmud, but not sure ...
EhevuTov's user avatar
  • 1,308
8 votes
2 answers
369 views

Technology during Days of Moshiach

When Moshisch comes (Biezras Hashem) will there be technology like, computers, cars, electricity, etc?
shy''k's user avatar
  • 1,375
8 votes
2 answers
362 views

Why does Gehazi have no share in the world to come?

The mishna in Sanhedrin 90a lists Gehazi as one of the 4 commoners who have no share in the world to come. I have seen different reasons for this none of which I fully understand. He mocked the ...
pokemon's user avatar
  • 499
7 votes
4 answers
241 views

How does punishment in the World to Come make sense?

If a person is able to make choices in this world, and especially if a person is able to disbelieve that there is a Divine order of any type, how does it make sense for a person's soul to be punished ...
Seth J's user avatar
  • 41.5k
7 votes
1 answer
398 views

Will Moshiach identify Jews currently thought to be non-Jews?

The Rambam writes in Malachim 10:2: ואינו בא לא לטמא הטהור. ולא לטהר הטמא. ולא לפסול אנשים שהם בחזקת כשרות. ולא להכשיר מי שהוחזקו פסולין. אלא לשום שלום בעולם. [Eliyahu] is not coming to make impure ...
Yishai's user avatar
  • 31.8k
7 votes
3 answers
438 views

Rambam's View on Attaining Olam Haba with One Mitzvah

The last Mishnah in Maseches Makkos states that God wanted to benefit Israel so He gave them many mitzvos. ר' חנניה בן עקשיה אומר רצה הקב"ה לזכות את ישראל לפיכך הרבה להן תורה ומצות שנ' ה' חפץ ...
Alex's user avatar
  • 49.1k
6 votes
3 answers
575 views

What is the earliest commentary we have that recognized Hell as a place for cleansing the soul?

I am trying to determine the most ancient extant source for the concept of Hell as a place of spiritual cleansing. Regardless of what term you use for it (etc. ,גיא בן הינום, שְׁאוֹל), I understand ...
Dan's user avatar
  • 893
6 votes
1 answer
273 views

Paskening Shlomo out of Shamayim?

R' Yehudah tells us in the name of Shmuel (Sanhedrin 104b) that the Anshei Kenesses HaGedolah wanted to include Shlomo HaMelech on the list of kings who lost their portion of Olam Haba. An image of ...
DonielF's user avatar
  • 34.1k
6 votes
1 answer
393 views

Non-Orthodox converts and Olam Ha-Ba

Would a Gentile who converted through a non-orthodox movement be judged as a Gentile or a Jew in Olam Ha-Ba? In regards to the judgement, would his/her action of converting and living a "Jewish" ...
user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
260 views

Why does G-d reward reshaim in this world to punish them in the next, if He is good? [duplicate]

The question of "Why do some reshaim people live a good life, while some good people suffer" is often answered that G-d rewards the rasha in this world, in order to punish him in the world to come for ...
user9806's user avatar
  • 2,146
6 votes
2 answers
261 views

How do we know that we will enjoy Olam Haba?

Every person has different wants and desires. Some enjoy good food, others enjoy vacations, yet some others enjoy fine art. Although Olam Haba will be a spiritual enjoyment, how do we know that it ...
Ani Yodea's user avatar
  • 13k
6 votes
0 answers
153 views

Reform Conversions and Olam Ha-Ba [duplicate]

If a Gentile decides to convert through the Reform movement for the purposes of being ethically monotheistic, practicing traditions relating to Judaism, and having a community, would they be punished ...
user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
383 views

Who are the tzaddikim in olam ha-ba?

The midrash tells of various things that will happen to the righteous in olam ha-ba, such as feasting on Leviathan. Who are these? Everybody except those who have no share in olam ha-ba per Pirke ...
Monica Cellio's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
650 views

Does Techiyat Hameisim, resurrection, apply to Non-Jews as well?

Will righteous non-jews also partake in Techiyat Hameisim, resurrection? Will they be brought back to life in the time of the Mashiach? Will Noach? Abraham? Malki-Tzedek? Shem? etc.
RCW's user avatar
  • 6,708
5 votes
1 answer
230 views

Are the ignorant/uneducated exempt from halacha?

Are the ignorant/uneducated (Jews) exempt from following halacha? Do they have a share in the world to come even if they break Jewish law or are apikores? I am led to believe that the answer is, more ...
SAH's user avatar
  • 19.6k
5 votes
2 answers
710 views

What are the "four worlds" in Kabbalah?

A friend told me something about there being "four worlds" in Judaism. I think he was referencing something about Kabbalah (though I'm far from an expert at that). I was wondering: What are these "...
mbloch's user avatar
  • 47.7k
5 votes
3 answers
738 views

On the nature of 'Olam HaBa'

I have read that Olam HaBa is an idyllic state in which the world will exist after the Moshiach arrives. Is this correct? But I've also read that Olam HaBa is only for the righteous of all nations, ...
A.Concerned.Lurker's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
315 views

Shabbos Clothing and Disgracing the Festivals

Many years ago, my principal told us before succos bein hazmanim, One who does not wear shabbos clothing (i.e. a white shirt, suit and tie etc.) on Chol HaMo'ed - specifically when he comes to ...
Chiddushei Torah's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
266 views

will the average person make it into Olam Haba

will the average Jew who presumably has a big accumulated package of sins and also a big package of good deeds make it into Olam Haba? is there a minimum requirement for one to "get in"?
ray's user avatar
  • 21.1k
5 votes
1 answer
339 views

What is the origin of "Olam Haba"?

I believe that the Talmud is the first place where the notion of Olam Haba - The world to come - is mentioned. This question explains why it is not mentioned in the Torah but doesn't quite explain how ...
DanF's user avatar
  • 70k
5 votes
1 answer
379 views

What are Sifrei Minim today?

In Sanhedrin 100b: Rabbi Akivah says "Even one who reads foreign Seforim (has no chelek in Olam Haba)". Beraitha there: "He refers to Sifrei Tzedukim" (or "Sifrei Minim" ...
ray's user avatar
  • 21.1k
5 votes
1 answer
869 views

Validity to the saying that 3 shidduchim guarantee a place in olam haba?

This question discusses the idea that certain practices (e.g., saying ashrei yoshvei [Tehilim 145] three times a day) guarantees a place in olam haba. One common saying is that facilitating 3 ...
mbloch's user avatar
  • 47.7k
5 votes
2 answers
851 views

How Shabbat is connected to Olam Haba?

The great mysteries of Shabbat and Olam Haba. Why is Shabbat connected to Olam Haba (afterlife) and how? Is it because the afterlife is a place of rest from creative work? Is it because there will ...
Aigle's user avatar
  • 1,468
5 votes
1 answer
531 views

Source for parable about two twins in the womb

I once heard/read a parable about two babies in their mother's womb. It goes something like this. Two twins in the womb are speaking of the world to come, one believes it exists, the other not. ...
mbloch's user avatar
  • 47.7k
5 votes
3 answers
244 views

Rambam's view of worship in order to attain olam haba

Rambam writes in Hilchos Teshuva 8:3 referring to Olam Haba: וזהו השכר שאין שכר למעלה ממנו והטובה שאין אחריה טובה והיא שהתאוו לה כל הנביאים This is the reward above which there is no higher ...
Alex's user avatar
  • 49.1k
5 votes
1 answer
73 views

Why was Chizqia losing Olam Haba?

Talmud Berachot 10a tells the discussion between Yeshaya and Chizqia about children: מת אתה בעולם הזה ולא תחיה לעולם הבא! אמר לו מאי כולי האי?! אמר לו משום דלא עסקת בפריה ורביה. אמר לו וכולי Dead ...
yO_'s user avatar
  • 1,495
5 votes
2 answers
557 views

Olam Haba depends on how you treat your wife

I have heard in the name of Rabbi Chaim Vital that one's olam haba depends largely on how he treated his wife. anyone know the source (if any) of this statement and what is the logic behind it.
ray's user avatar
  • 21.1k
5 votes
2 answers
296 views

Is there a concept of time in Gan Eden and the world to come?

Does Time exist in Gan Eden and the world to come. I heard that you cant get bored of these places since there's no time there. Also heard midrash that Yitchak Aviinu went to Gan Eden for 2 years ...
shlomo's user avatar
  • 629
5 votes
3 answers
237 views

In the afterlife, will the person's embarrassing moment be revealed before everyone?

Shalom! Is it true that in the afterlife, there will be video tapes played in front of everyone, showing our most embarrassing and most shameful acts that we've committed in this lifetime?
Miriam 's user avatar
  • 119
5 votes
1 answer
324 views

How can using the bathroom be equated to the pleasure of the afterlife?

There are three things which are a taste of the World to Come: Shabbat, the sun, and “usage.” What does “usage” mean? Usage of the bed [i.e. marital relations]? But that weakens the body. Rather it ...
David Herz's user avatar
5 votes
4 answers
434 views

Do Samaritans go to Olam Haba?

My question is if Samaritans go to Olam Haba. It would seem pretty obvious except for the fact they don’t recognize the Jewish people as Hashem’s Chosen. They also have their own slightly altered ...
Isaac's user avatar
  • 51
4 votes
3 answers
368 views

Will prophecy return in the time of Mashiach?

Will the there be prophets in the times of Moshiach? Will everyone have some level of prophecy in the time of Mashiach? Or is prophecy gone forever?
Shmuel's user avatar
  • 10.5k
4 votes
5 answers
419 views

Sitting in the Succah of Whale skin in the world to come?

Please explain the following Gemmorah: ואמר רבה א"ר יוחנן עתיד הקב"ה לעשות סוכה לצדיקים מעורו של לויתן And Rabba says that Rabbi Yoḥanan says: In the future, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will ...
Al Berko's user avatar
  • 25.7k
4 votes
2 answers
535 views

Death After Resurrection?

This question is in reference to the question and answer given here After the resurrection of the dead, will those who resurrected die again? If so: Why then do the dead resurrect? And where or what ...
Jewish Context's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
732 views

What will happen prior and after the End of Days?

What will happen prior and after the End of Days? What are the stages leading up to this moment and what kind of events or happenings do they contain? I try to get a clear view on the Jewish view ...
Levi's user avatar
  • 7,328
4 votes
2 answers
313 views

Does fulfilling the Seven Commandment of Bnei Noach depend on belief in the torah?

theTalmud in Sanhedrin 105a states that "Righteous people of all nations have a share in the world to come" provided they observe the seven commandments of bnei noach. Does this reward necessitate ...
ray's user avatar
  • 21.1k
4 votes
3 answers
591 views

Guaranteed olam haba?

Certain practices such as learning halachot daily or reciting ashrei three times a day are supposed to guarantee a person a place in olam haba. How exactly does this work? Can a person be an evil ...
user avatar