Faith
Resurrection of the Dead in Judaism: Questions and Answers on Afterlife, Purity, and Shabbat
Exploring Jewish teachings on what changes after resurrection, the end of impurity, the role of mitzvot, and who will merit eternal life
Sam asks: "I have some questions about the time after the resurrection of the dead:
1. Will the things we see in this world — such as Torah scrolls, faith, and other spiritual matters, as well as physical things like animals, cars, and so on still exist?
2. It is written, “I will remove the spirit of impurity from the land.” Does this mean that there will there be no need for a mikveh (ritual bath)?
3. Will we continue having Shabbat meals?
4. For a person who grew up in a secular home, or someone who doesn’t understand and doesn’t even know what resurrection of the dead or the World to Come is — will this person also rise in the resurrection?"
* * *
Hello Sam, and thank you for your questions.
1. At the beginning of the redemption, Rambam writes that “the world will continue according to its natural order.” However, after the resurrection, some say the very nature of the world will change, transforming into a spiritual reality.
2. The verse says: “I will remove the spirit of impurity from the land” (Zechariah 13:2). This refers to the evil inclination (yetzer hara) being abolished. The laws of purity and impurity, however, are not related to the yetzer hara but about the sanctity of the body.
The purpose of the resurrection is to allow mitzvot to be fulfilled in their fullness, including offering sacrifices in the rebuilt Temple.
3. In the beginning, Shabbat will be observed with meals as we know them. Some explain that later, as the world gradually becomes more spiritual, Shabbat itself will be experienced as a higher, spiritual mitzvah.
4. Only God, who judges the heart and innermost thoughts, knows exactly what each person knew, what they were capable of knowing, what they could not have known, and what personal challenges they faced. We cannot know this, because every case is unique.
There are also cases where children who return to God through teshuvah, elevate and uplift the souls of their parents who have already passed away.
