Rabbi Mark's Blog: Do Jews Believe in Heaven? Join Wednesday Night's Class!

The question comes up over and over again: Do Jews believe in heaven? I get the question from folks who are not Jewish… and Jews ask me too.

Starting this Wednesday night I’ll be teaching a three-part course on behalf of WAJE, and everyone – Jews, folks who are not Jewish, synagogue members and non-members – everyone, without exception, is invited.

First Class, October 9: “Jewish Beliefs in the Afterlife.” What did the Jews of the ancient world believe? Did those beliefs change over time? (Spoiler alert: they did.) Is it true that Jews believe in reincarnation? And much more.  

Second Class, October 16: “Jewish Mourning Practices.” How is Jewish belief in the afterlife reflected in the way Jews mourn? What is shiva? What is sheloshim? What is considered proper “etiquette” in a Jewish house of mourning? And much more.

Third Class, October 23:  “Death and Dying.” The story is told: “Rabbi Simcha Bunem lay dying. In her grief, his wife burst into tears. He said to her: ‘Why are you crying? My whole life was only that I might learn how to die.’ And with this attitude he died, peacefully.” How have Jews prepared themselves spiritually for death? What can the living do to help the dying? And much more.

Please join me for this very special three-part series to be held at the Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville, Wednesday evenings October 9, 16, and 23 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. A nominal tuition payable to the “Westchester Adult Education Program” applies. For more information or to register contact Nina Luban of WAJE at waje@wjcouncil.org.

With thanks to our sponsors: Westchester Adult Jewish Education (WAJE) of The Westchester Jewish Council; The Rosenthal JCC; and United Jewish Appeal (UJA).

You can now “follow” Rabbi Mark Sameth’s blog and receive his weekly blog-posts by e-mail. Just click here and then click the icon "Get e-mail updates." Rabbi Mark Sameth - named one of the 36 most inspiring rabbis in America by The Jewish Daily Forward - is the spiritual leader of Joyful Judaism: Pleasantville Community Synagogue an inclusive, progressive synagogue – with members from twenty towns, villages and cities all across Westchester and “A Hebrew School Your Kids Can Love.” Read The New York Times article. Watch and listen on PCTV76. Follow on Twitter. Weekly meditation at the synagogue every Saturday morning at 9 am is open to the public; everyone – without exception - is welcome and warmly invited. See the “Top Ten Reasons to Join PCS” - as well as our service times and events - at www.ShalomPCS.com.