More Conservative Judaism Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about Conservative Judaism
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Expertise
Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience
I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Judaism > Conservative Judaism > Next Life
Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 9/4/2008
Question
Hi Rabbi.
It has been a long time since I asked a question but one has been bothering me. Two part question.
Jewish people are a a very tiny part of the worlds population. To be saved into the next life how are;
1. Jewish people saved.
2. Do you have a view on how the rest of the world will be able to access this life also?
Thanks
Murel
Answer
Dear Murel,
Thanks for writing.
Judaism believes that there is a world to come, but we can only speculate about the nature of that "universe" we encounter after we leave this world.
Is there speculation about its nature, location, "price of admission," etc? A great deal of literature has been written on this subject.
In brief, our Jewish attitude is that we are partners with God in "tikkun olam," repair of this world, this society, caring for others as much as for ourselves. If we live up to this standard, measured for Jews in "mitzvot," then we will merit the best that God will provide for worthy souls.
Our decisions, our acts, our words, our efforts are what we need to observe if we want to always be with God - in this world and the world to come.
Jews do not believe in vicarious atonement; we must perform our own atonement and constantly seek to do better every day.
Jews have always believed that decent, compassionate, God-fearing and God-loving people of all faiths will certainly merit the same result.
Will it be eternal life, and/or resurrection, and/or freedom from punishment and/or so many other issues? I don't know the answer, and I along with many Jewish teachers don't care. Even if there is a world to come of "nothingness" then at least I will have lived a good life and a life good for others - who could ask more of me?
Does this address your question, why I don't turn to a messianic figure or savior. but rather I believe each person can "save" themselves.
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
Add to this Answer
Ask a Question
|
|
