Judaism generally emphasizes this life because the b'rit, or covenant between God and the Jewish people, requires faithful action in the present world. Teachings about the afterlife remain important, but covenantal responsibility usually takes priority over detailed speculation about it.
How Covenant Shapes Daily Life
Through the mitzvot, or commandments, adherents sanctify ordinary activities, including worship, eating, family relationships and care for others. For example, Orthodox Jews observing kashrut, Jewish dietary laws, express covenantal commitment through everyday food choices.
Jewish teachings also emphasize free will: people choose between yetzer ha-tov, the good inclination, and yetzer ha-ra, the bad inclination. Ethical choices therefore matter now, supporting tikkun olam, the reparation of the world.
| Concept | Connection to this life or the future |
|---|---|
| B'rit | Covenant requires faithfulness to God within history. |
| Mitzvot | Commandments shape present religious, ethical and communal behaviour. |
| Kedushah, holiness | Everyday actions and relationships can express holiness. |
| Messianic Age | Hope concerns a future age of peace and justice in this world. |
| Olam Ha-Ba, the world to come | Future existence is affirmed, but interpretations differ. |
Diversity and the Afterlife
Orthodox Judaism commonly affirms an individual human Mashiach, or Messiah, who will usher in the Messianic Age. Many Reform and Liberal Jews instead emphasize a Messianic Age advanced through human cooperation. Understandings of Olam Ha-Ba also vary, so Judaism should not be presented as having one uniform account.
The common misconception that Judaism has no afterlife beliefs is incorrect. Its distinctive emphasis is on present obligations, not the absence of future hope.
IB Exam Technique
For Part 1, connect “Where are we going?” with “How do we get there?” When asked to explain, show how covenant leads to commandments and lived practice. Identify the Jewish movement rather than generalizing about all Jews.