בס”ד
The idea of eternal damnation is not a Jewish concept and does not come from the Torah. The cultural image of hell, as it’s commonly portrayed, is more a collage of ancient worldviews involving demons, underworlds, and hellfire. Much of this is not rooted in Jewish teaching.
The Torah teaches “אין עוד מלבדו” (ein od milvado) — there is no one besides G-d. This means the perceived duality between good and evil, as seen in other religions, is an illusion. G-d is entirely good, and everything He does is good. Although things may seem divided into separate categories to us, everything is ultimately orchestrated by G-d. The concept of a rebellious angel forming his own power, as found in other traditions, does not align with Jewish belief.
In Judaism, the revelation of G-d’s unity and glory can occur in two ways: through the reward of the righteous or through the punishment of the wicked. Both outcomes serve to sanctify G-d’s name. Whether someone is rewarded for good deeds or punished for wrongdoing, both paths reaffirm G-d’s justice and sovereignty.
Thus, there is no true duality in creation. If there is postmortem punishment, it is not meant to eternally torture a person. Instead, Judaism has a concept closer to what might be called purgatory. This phase is seen as a process in which a person is purified from the damage they caused during their lifetime. While this period may involve suffering, it is ultimately a form of restoration, similar to watching an old object being carefully repaired and restored to its original state. The notion of renewal speaks deeply to us as humans.
Punishment, whether in this world or the next, is meant to return the individual to a pristine state, not to subject them to eternal torment. The goal is not endless suffering but purification. Everything comes from G-d, and everything aims to bring us back to Him.
As stated in Psalm 139: “If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.” This illustrates that G-d is present everywhere, in the highest places and the lowest depths. The idea that there are places or situations where G-d is absent is simply false. G-d is present in every situation, whether it’s in a bright, enlightened setting or a darker, more isolated space.
Even the concept of Gehinnom, the Jewish interpretation of a temporary hell, is meant to purify and bring the soul closer to G-d, rather than to inflict eternal suffering.
By Rabbi Tani Burton
If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN
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