All Israel Have a Share in the World to Come: How to Build Your Eternal Home Through Deeds and Faith

“All Israel have a share in the World to Come, as it is said: ‘And your people are all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever — the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, in which I take pride.’”
(Mishnah, Sanhedrin 10:1)

At first glance, this seems puzzling. How can every Jew have a share in the World to Come — even those who sinned greatly? Is the next world a place where everyone enters freely, regardless of their deeds?

The Meaning of “A Share”

The Maharsha explains: “All Israel have a share — after all the necessary purifications, punishments, and spiritual refinements, every soul is ultimately invited to eternal life.”

In other words, every Jew has a portion in the next world, but some must first pass through processes of cleansing and correction before they can enjoy it fully.

The Chafetz Chaim adds: every Jew has a share — but what kind of share? That depends entirely on how one lives.

If a person spends life doing good deeds, studying Torah, and performing mitzvot, he is planting a lush garden in his eternal home — full of beautiful trees, fruits, and fragrance. But one who wastes his days, neglects good deeds, or commits sins, finds his portion overgrown with thorns and weeds.

As Shlomo Hamelech wrote: “I passed by the field of a lazy man, and by the vineyard of a man lacking understanding; and behold, it was all grown over with thorns, its surface covered with nettles, and its stone wall broken down.” (Mishlei 24:30–31)

How sad and shameful it would be to receive such a “portion.”

Every Mitzvah Builds Your Eternal Home

The Sages likened our deeds to bricks with which we construct our eternal home. One person builds a small shack, another a solid house, and another, a magnificent palace.

We invest so much effort beautifying our earthly homes by buying elegant décor, adding rooms, and expanding gardens. Yet each mitzvah, each act of kindness, each victory over temptation beautifies something far greater: our eternal dwelling in the World to Come.

That is why the wisest of men taught: “Whatever your hand finds to do — do it with all your might.” (Kohelet 9:10)

The Parable of the Fox and the Vineyard

A fox once passed by a beautiful vineyard bursting with ripe grapes. His mouth watered, but the vineyard was surrounded by a tall fence. Searching for a way in, he finally found a small hole — too small for his plump body.

Desperate, he decided to fast for three days until he grew thin enough to squeeze through. At last, he slipped inside and gorged himself on grapes until he was full and fat again.

When he wanted to leave, he discovered he could no longer fit through the hole. So he fasted again until he became thin enough to escape. Standing outside, hungry and weak, he sighed: “O vineyard, what have you given me? Hungry I came, and hungry I leave!”

He was considered not the cleverest of animals, but the most foolish — for if he had been wise, he would have thrown a few clusters over the fence to take with him.

The lesson to us is to enjoy this world as needed, but to remember to prepare provisions for the long journey ahead.

Empty Hands

When a person is born, their hands are clenched — as if to say, “The world is mine.” When they die, their hands are open — as if to say, “I have taken nothing with me.”

“World, O world,” says the soul, “what have you truly given me? Naked I came, and naked I depart.”

The wise person however, uses this life to gather spiritual wealth — the only kind that lasts forever.

“Just a Visitor” — The Chofetz Chaim’s Lesson

A wealthy man once traveled from abroad to visit the Chofetz Chaim, eager to meet the great sage of his generation. When he entered the rabbi’s humble home, he was astonished: the house was bare, furnished only with a few old, simple items.

Unable to restrain himself, he exclaimed, “Is this how the great rabbi lives? Where are your fine furnishings? Your comforts?”

The Chofetz Chaim smiled and asked, “And you — where are your furnishings?”

The man laughed. “Mine? Of course I didn’t bring them here! I’m only a traveler — I brought just a suitcase and the essentials. My wealth and furniture are back home.”

The Chofetz Chaim nodded and said softly: “So it is with me. I too am only a traveler here. I keep only what is necessary for the journey — my real home is above, in the next world. And there, I am doing my best to invest everything I have.”

Preparing for Forever

Every person is born with a portion in eternity — but it is up to us to shape and beautify it.

Our deeds, words, and choices build the eternal home we will one day inhabit. This world is a brief visit; the next world is home.

Plant wisely, build beautifully, and remember that what you send ahead through kindness, faith, and mitzvot, is what will greet you forever.