What Determines Our Rank in the World to Come?

"Every Jew has a share in the World to Come," but there are different levels within it. Is there a way to estimate our rank in the afterlife?

Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi, in his book 'Nafshi B'sheelati,' provides a definitive answer:

"A person's rank in the World to Come is determined by their effort. Not by their intellect, not by their sharpness, not by their understanding and knowledge, not by their innovations, but solely by their effort."

Rabbi Zamir Cohen - What is the World to Come, and who gets to enter?

"Fortunate is the one who comes here with their learning in hand"

The Rabbi brings the profound words of Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler of blessed memory (from 'Michtav M'Eliyahu Vol. 3'), providing readers with an understanding of the soul's role in this world and the importance of diligence in Torah and mitzvot.

"Fortunate is the one who comes here with their learning in hand" (Pesachim 50), Rabbi Dessler emphasizes the word "in hand" to mean the following:

"Not by the intellect, but in hand. Meaning: what one has acquired through effort. Hence, in the World to Come, a person's Torah is judged by their toil in it, rather than their intellect."

Rabbi Yitzchak Fanger – How is our reward in the World to Come determined?

Rabbi Dessler continues with his striking insights: "A person who is naturally intelligent, has a strong memory, and possesses extensive knowledge, but has exerted little effort in Torah study—such a person will be considered ignorant in the World to Come! Conversely, someone with less intellect, a weak memory, and limited knowledge, but who has worked hard and toiled in Torah, will achieve much in the World to Come because what they gained through effort truly belongs to them."

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