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"Rabbi Akiva says, 'This world is like a vestibule to the world to come; prepare yourself in the vestibule in order to enter the main hall."
One of the foundations of the Jewish faith is the belief in the World to Come, the conviction that there exists a supernal and eternal afterlife and that this world is little more than a "vestibule to the World to Come." This cognizance changes one's entire way of relating to our world and its events. One who possesses such a faith does not look for reward and riches here; instead, such a person dedicates his life in this world to preparatory work in order to guarantee his place in the eventual World to Come.
Belief in the soul's immortality, in eternal life, has the effect of making life in this world appear insignificant. Life in this world appears short, quantitatively transient and qualitatively limited; its only value is that it allows a person to prepare for the eternal and perfect World to Come. Such an approach negates the "instant gratification" attitude which demands here-and-now results, for it claims that the present is not what is important; the here-and-now is a mere means to a more lofty and elevated end. The sages thus teach, "A moment of satisfaction in the World to Come is better than an entire lifetime in this world."
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
25 - 25. The World to Come – Further Clarification
26 - 26. This World and the World to Come
27 - 27. The Preeminence of the Land of Israel
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And how hapless is one who does not believe in the World to Come, whose entire existence is temporary and passing. He knows not what the future holds in store nor the number of his days. Denial of the World to Come fills a person with despair and nothingness. The sorry slogan, "Eat and drink for tomorrow we die" cannot bring man true happiness.
The Prophets have informed us regarding the immortality of the soul. It is hinted at in the prophecy which tells us that Elijah the Prophet will reveal himself in the future redemption. We also find that King Saul invoked Samuel the Prophet who was no longer living, and Samuel prophesied regarding what was to transpire, in the same manner that he did while he was alive. And though invoking the spirits of the dead is forbidden by the Torah, we are at any rate able to learn from here that the soul is immortal and that it lives on even after it has been separated from the body.
Even today, there are people who make a practice of communicating with the dead. The Torah, of course, forbids such behavior in no uncertain terms, and every Jew must distance himself from such people, but, all the same, the phenomena itself serves to confirm the concept of the immortality of the soul.
Belief in life after death, in the World to Come, is one of the foundations of the Jewish faith.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
