Jews believe that death is not the end of human existence. Their focus is primarily on the here and now rather than on what comes after death. The idea of the afterlife may be different amongst the Jewish people. There are differences in opinion amongst Judaism regarding heaven, reincarnation, the resurrection, as well as punishment.
There are biblical references in the Torah and the Tanakh that emphasize the belief in the afterlife. Several scriptures refer to being gathered with loved ones or family after death, as well as scriptures pertaining to punishment where certain sins committed in this life result in being separated from your loved ones or family.
The Pharisees had a belief that the dead would be resurrected, while the Sadducees had a difference in opinion on the matter. The idea was that the resurrection would occur when the messiah appeared in the world to bring peace and prosperity. Those who were righteous would reunite with their bodies at this time, and
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In traditional Judaism, Olam Ha-Ba is referring to the period of time when the messiah has come and souls are reunited with their bodies. The period before Olam Ha-Ba is the time spent on earth. The idea is to prepare yourself here on earth by studying the Torah and doing righteous acts. This preparation will then be rewarded with Olam Ha-Ba. There are those that believe that all Israel will be rewarded with Olam Ha-Ba, but that not all rewards will be equal. There seems to be a point of view that Jews try to earn their way into heaven, while others view it as a sense of loyalty and obligation to perform religious obligations. The overall consensus is that there is a merit system that results in the reward of Olam Ha-Ba and it is basic on ones actions. There is also a belief that the righteous of all nations have a share in Olam Ha-Ba, but not all Jews believe that a non-Jew will have a share in their