בס”ד
The 13th Principle of Faith: The Resurrection of the Dead
Introduction
In this blog, we will delve into the meaning of Techiat HaMeitim (the Resurrection of the Dead) and the biblical and rabbinic sources that support this concept.
One of the fundamental principles of Jewish faith is the belief in the resurrection of the dead (Techiat HaMeitim). Rambam (Maimonides) explicitly mentions this in his 13 Principles of Faith on Mishnah Sanhedrin 10:1:30.
“I fully believe there will be a revival of the dead at a time when the Creator, whose Name is praised and whose fame is so high and forever exalted, wills it.”
According to Rambam, the resurrection of the dead will occur at a time determined by G-d. This raises the question: does this core principle also apply to Bnei Noach (the descendants of Noah)?
When Will the Resurrection Take Place?
The resurrection will occur in what is known as Olam Haba, the World to Come, after the arrival of the Messiah, who will revive the righteous and lead them into the new world (Zohar 1:113b).
There are various interpretations within Judaism regarding the exact nature and timing of this resurrection. Some view it as a physical return to life, while others see it more symbolically, as a spiritual renewal.
Biblical Sources on the Resurrection
The resurrection of the dead is a biblical concept, as evidenced by several texts:
| 7 Then Hashem G-d formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. | ז וַיִּיצֶר יד’ אֱלֹקים אֶת-הָאָדָם, עָפָר מִן-הָאֲדָמָה, וַיִּפַּח בְּאַפָּיו, נִשְׁמַת חַיִּים; וַיְהִי הָאָדָם, לְנֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה |
Rashi explains that the double use of the letter yod in the Hebrew word for “formed” refers to two stages of existence: one for this life and one for the resurrection.
| 21 that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, upon the land which Hashem swore unto your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth | כא לְמַעַן יִרְבּוּ יְמֵיכֶם, וִימֵי בְנֵיכֶם, עַל הָאֲדָמָה, אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע ד’ לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם לָתֵת לָהֶם–כִּימֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, עַל-הָאָרֶץ |
Rashi teaches that the promise of long life relates not only to this life but also to the future resurrection.
| 19 Thy dead shall live, my dead bodies shall arise–awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust–for Thy dew is as the dew of light, and the earth shall bring to life the shades. | יט יִחְיוּ מֵתֶיךָ, נְבֵלָתִי יְקוּמוּן; הָקִיצוּ וְרַנְּנוּ שֹׁכְנֵי עָפָר, כִּי טַל אוֹרֹת טַלֶּךָ, וָאָרֶץ, רְפָאִים תַּפִּיל |
| 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproaches and everlasting abhorrence. | ב וְרַבִּים, מִיְּשֵׁנֵי אַדְמַת-עָפָר יָקִיצוּ; אֵלֶּה לְחַיֵּי עוֹלָם, וְאֵלֶּה לַחֲרָפוֹת לְדִרְאוֹן עוֹלָם |
Midrash (Bereshit Rabba 13:6): The resurrection of the dead is for Israel, not for idolaters.
Does the Resurrection Have Meaning for Bnei Noach?
The Iefe Toar a Commentary on midrash rabba adds:
“Not only Israel, but also the righteous among the nations have a share in the World to Come – as Rambam teaches in Mishne Torah Kings 8:11– and the resurrection of the dead.”
With this source, we have an answer to our question: the resurrection of the dead is also relevant for the righteous non-Jews who observe the seven Noahide commandments1.
However, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) teaches that one can only have a share in the World to Come if they do not deny the belief in the resurrection of the dead.
The Emphasis on the Present
In Judaism, the focus is not solely on the future, but rather on the connection we can already make with G-d now. Our spiritual status in Olam Haba is determined by our actions in this life.
When a person observes G-d’s commandments and refrains from forbidden actions, they create a direct connection with the Eternal. This connection will be fully revealed in the World to Come – this is the ultimate reward for the soul.
Conclusion
May the true Messiah come soon and may the resurrection of the dead take place in our days. Let us live according to G-d’s commandments and strengthen our bond with Him. Amen.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for his feedback
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