Why don't Jews believe in afterlife?

Answer 1

Hell is not mentioned in any part of the Jewish Bible. It is only in the New Testament where Hell is first mentioned, along with the concept of eternal damnation. As it has no part or history in Jewish tradition, it is not believed in.

The question is mistaken. Does Judaism believe in the existence of hell? The name and details are probably different than in other religions, but the short answer is yes. "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have rebelled against Me; for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched" (Isaiah 66:24). One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist after death and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he/she was alive. All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.
The afterlife is discussed at length in the Talmud, though the exact nature of the rewards and punishments is generally not given since it would be like describing the colors of a sunrise to someone who was blind from birth. See for example the Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 17a, for a few details.
It is important to note that Judaism is a rare case in that it does not condemn non-adherents to eternal damnation. Worthy non-Jews are able to merit the rewards in the afterlife without conversion.
Another important point is the efficacy of repentance, which can change one's spiritual "balance" relatively easily. See for example Deuteronomy 30:1-10 for one of the Tanakh's many passages on this topic.

Answer 2

The presumption of this question, namely that Jews do not have an afterlife, is incorrect. Many Jews and non-Jews are unaware of the afterlife in Judaism because, unlike Christianity or Islam, the afterlife (although important) is not the central day-to-day focus. Judaism focuses as a religion on the idea of creation and improvement of the world, as opposed to Christianity or Islam which see this life as a "resume-builder" for entrance to heaven or jenna.

To read about the Jewish afterlife, please see the Related Questions below.

Answer 3

they do not believe that jesus has come yet and that there is no heaven or hell

Jewish answer:

One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he/she was alive.

Our ancient sages emphasized the importance of being aware of this: "This world is a mere entranceway before the afterlife" (Mishna, Avot ch.4).

All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.

The afterlife is detailed at length in the Talmud. A full 20 pages of Talmud (Sanhedrin 90-110) are given to this subject. The afterlife is also referred to briefly in Torah (Bible) verses such as Genesis 15:15, which states that "You (Abraham) will come to your fathers in peace and will be buried in good (ripe; full) old age." This does not mean merely to be buried with one's forefathers, since Abraham was not buried with them. Such verses are stated many times.

The prophets are more explicit with such references (see Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:13).

The Tanakh does not delve into detail of the rewards of the righteous, because other religions could compete with even more poetic promises. Also because belief in the afterlife was shared by all ancient societies and needed little reiteration. See the Kli Yakar commentary to Leviticus ch. 26 for a fuller discussion.

Answer 4

The name and details are probably different than in other religions, but the short answer is yes. "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have rebelled against Me; for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched" (Isaiah 66:24). One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist after death and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he/she was alive. All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.

The afterlife is discussed at length in the Talmud, though the exact nature of the rewards and punishments is generally not given since it would be like describing the colors of a sunrise to someone who was blind from birth. See for example the Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 17a, for a few details.

It is important to note that Judaism is a rare case in that it does not condemn non-adherents to eternal damnation. Worthy non-Jews are able to merit the rewards in the afterlife without conversion.

Another important point is the efficacy of repentance, which can change one's spiritual "balance" relatively easily. See for example Deuteronomy 30:1-10 for one of the Tanakh's many passages on this topic.

Answer 5

Hell is not mentioned in any part of the Jewish Bible. It is only in the New Testament where Hell is first mentioned, along with the concept of eternal damnation. As it has no part or history in Jewish tradition, it is not believed in.

Answer 6

The question is mistaken. Does Judaism believe in the existence of hell? The name and details are probably different than in other religions, but the short answer is yes. "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have rebelled against Me; for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched" (Isaiah 66:24). One of the central beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Rambam (Maimonides, 1135-1204), is that the soul continues to exist after death and is treated in accordance with the person's actions while he/she was alive. All outstanding accounts are settled after this life. Some cases illustrate this point, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.
The afterlife is discussed at length in the Talmud, though the exact nature of the rewards and punishments is generally not given since it would be like describing the colors of a sunrise to someone who was blind from birth. See for example the Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 17a, for a few details.
It is important to note that Judaism is a rare case in that it does not condemn non-adherents to eternal damnation. Worthy non-Jews are able to merit the rewards in the afterlife without conversion.
Another important point is the efficacy of repentance, which can change one's spiritual "balance" relatively easily. See for example Deuteronomy 30:1-10 for one of the Tanakh's many passages on this topic.