Wow, this was posted in April and no response? Too bad. I too would love to hear what people have to say. My personal opinion right now is that nothing happens. Zippo, just a permanent sleep. I would like to believe there is a hell for truly evil people, destoyers of humanity and souls, but I am thinking they just go to sleep too. Seems unfair, but like they say, "who ever said life was fair." I have no sources to base any of what I said on, so I would love to here from all the rabbonim. Any takers?

Kol tuv.

our body returns to the earth and our soul returns to the heaven.

"What happens when you die, according to Judaism?"

Sigh. I can't believe nobody has said this, yet:

"That depends on which Jew you're asking"

Judaism doesn't - and can't - have doctrine in the sense that a Christian denomination does, if, for no other reason, because there is nobody with the authority to set such doctrine. Not that we miss it.

Judaism is more about "orthopraxy" ("correct practice") than "orthodoxy" ("correct thought", when used in a Christian context). Jews are free to believe as they wish and to argue in favor of those beliefs, without concern that they will be outcast for disagreeing with others. They might have to worry about being teased if they argue in support of something silly, but they're free to do so. I think it's a healthier approach to religion, and perhaps the reason why Fascism, in its various forms, has had such trouble getting a foothold in the Jewish community.

A very popular view is that one sleeps, not to awaken until the coming of the Messiah. However, this view will not be supported by the large number of secular, atheistic Jews to be found who, disbelieving in anything supernatural, are left with no basis for believing in a resurrection.

My own view is that it's not a subject much worth thinking about, that this is the only life that we know we have, so we should live as well and honorably in this one as we can, and let the next one take care of itself.