Judaism and the Afterlife Quiz

What is the Hebrew term for afterlife meaning 'the world to come'?

• Olam ha-ba

• Gan Eden

• Olam ha-ze

• Sheol

Answer explanation

This is a perfect version of the world that will exist at the end of days, after the Messiah has come and God has judged the living and the dead.

What do many Orthodox Jews believe about the physical body?

• It will be cremated

• It will be resurrected in the Messianic Age

• It will be left unburied

• It will be destroyed

Answer explanation

The Jewish belief in a new era of peace brought in by the Messiah, chosen one. They are still waiting for this, they don't believe Jesus was the Messiah

What is Gan Eden often thought to be?

• A place of torment

• The Day of Judgement

• A place of paradise

• A place of darkness

Answer explanation

Many think of Gan Eden as a place when the peaceful Messianic Age comes. Others believe it is a state of consciousness where you feel closer to God.

What is Yawm al-Din often thought to be?

• A place of torment

• The Day of Judgement

• A place of paradise

• A place of darkness

Answer explanation

According to Jewish belief, this will occur after the coming of the Messiah. Jews believe that God judges how good or bad people have been in order to decide their destiny in the afterlife.

What is Sheol described as?

• A paradise

• A place of waiting and purification

• A place of eternal punishment

• A myth

Answer explanation

Similar to Catholic's purgatory. It is where souls are cleansed

What is the belief about souls in Gehinnom?

• They are forgotten

• They are rewarded

• They are punished

• They are reborn

Answer explanation

Some believe that the souls of those who have committed serious acts of evil - for example, people who have committed murder - will never move on from this place of torment as they cannot be changed for the better.

What is the Hebrew name for the Garden of Eden?

• Gehinnom

• Olam ha-ba

• Gan Eden

• Sheol

What is the Jewish belief about the soul after death?

• It is forgotten

• It is judged by God

• It is reborn

• It ceases to exist

What is the belief about the virtuous in the afterlife?

• They will be reunited with loved ones

• They will be punished

• They will be forgotten

• They will cease to exist

Which type of Jews believe the physical body will be resurrected?

• Orthodox

• Reform

Answer explanation

This will happen in the Messianic Age, when the good will rise from the dead.