Dear Rabbi Simon,
I have a Christian friend who wants to know what’s the consequence of sins for Jewish people as we don’t have Hell as described in the New Testament. Please provide direct references from the Torah where we can understand the Jewish perspective
Many thanks,
Helen
Dear Helen
Thank you for your question.
It is true that the Torah does not emphasise or elaborate upon reward and punishment in the Next World in the same way as the Christian bible does. “Torah” means instruction, and the essence of the Torah is the mitzvot (Commandments) which it contains. Therefor our faith is more concerned with behaviour in this world than the consequences (whether for good or for better) in the next.
Nevertheless, there are ample indications of the World to Come in our tradition, particularly in the Oral Torah. This essay includes sources you may consult: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-world-to-come/
See also Maimonides’ Code, Laws of Repentance 9:1. Also several passages in Ch. 8 there. Text available in translation at https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/911910/jewish/Teshuvah-Chapter-Eight.htm and elsewhere.
In Jewish thought, fear of punishment in the afterlife is a superficial, unsophisticated motivation. While better than no motivation at all, one should aspire to cleave to G-d and His commandments out of Awe or Love, rather than fear of the punishment which may follow, whether in this world or the next.
I hope these few lines are helpful.
Best wishes and keep the faith!
Rabbi Rashi Simon