Is my friend in Jewish hell?

Question

An accuaintance of mine, who was 100% Jewish by both his parents commited suicide - is he now in Hell according to Judaism?
About him: he never killed anyone (except for himself), but he wasn't necessarily a "good" person (although he didn't like to hurt small animals or children or anything like that).
His negative traits were that he was very hateful, jealous, conniving, etc...
So is he now in Hell according to Judaism? If yes - is he there for all eternity? Or what exactly?...

P.S.
Concerning the Noahide Laws - he was an atheist, he was a thief, he was sexually promiscuous, he was very blasphemous.

Answer 1

There is no hell in Judaism so, no he is not in hell

To correct a few mosconecptions I see from some of the Jewish posters: Up until around 30 years ago, the general view was that suicde was akin to murder and carried the penalty of Kares (excission at the hands of the Heavenly court) meaning that even though such a person would enter the World to come at the end of the year of gehinnom (essentially purifying the soul), they would never be able to approach close to the essence of God and would thus remain only on the fringes. However, with the increased understanding of the neurological issues which can lead to depression and suicide, as well as the psychological issues which lead to suicide, HaRav Moshe Feinstein (zts"l) published a teshuvah which is universally accepted, that suicide is from mental illness or physical disease and the person is NOT guilty of murder. Thus suicide, while not allowed, is NOT seen as murder and does NOT have a punishment kares. This is why suicides are no longer buried in a seperate section or with their graves at an angle, but in the mormal fashion.

Answer 2

My condolences on the death of your acquaintance. However, your friend is not in "Jewish hell" Judaism does not have a concept of Hell--that's a Christian thing. Traditionally we believe that after one dies one spends a period of up to a year in a place best described as being separated from G-d, where one's soul is purified. Everyone who is a good person--defined as following the seven Noahide laws (or at least repenting if one of them is transgressed)--has a place in the world to come. The seven laws are:

1. Prohibition of Idolatry: - There is only one God. You shall not make for yourself an idol.
2. Prohibition of Murder: - You shall not murder.
3. Prohibition of Theft: - You shall not steal.
4. Prohibition of Sexual Promiscuity: - You shall not commit adultery.
5. Prohibition of Blasphemy: - Revere God and do not blaspheme.
6. Prohibition of Cruelty to Animals: - Do not eat the flesh of a living animal.
7. Requirement to have just Laws: - You shall set up an effective government to police the preceding six laws.

I imagine your friend kept all of these laws--most of us do. I wouldn't worry about the occasional shoplifting as a kid or occasional profanity.

Answer 3

Different Jews will give different answers on the afterlife. In the Jewish religion, any punishment you receive in the afterlife is only for a limited time, a finite punishment for a finite crime. Some scriptures say everyone goes to Sheol, the grave, after death. The webiste I linked is from a Rabbi describing life after death.

Answer 4

No Jew will take longer than a year to reach Heaven. This is why we say Kaddish for a year.

There is no Hell in Judaism.

Answer 5

He's not in hell but he's not in heaven. Taking your life is considered a huge slap in the face in the jewish religion. My grandmother killed herself (she was very depressed) and it saddens me that Judaism puts her in a kind of limbo, but at least she was not Christian (she would be condemned to hell for having a mental disease... that hardly seems fair)

Answer 6

Anyone and everyone who rejects Jesus the Christ has forfeited their rights to Divine kingship, rejected their rights to Christ' coming Kingdom and yes,rejected their rights to entering heaven as well.. Revelation 20:15 And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire..There is a book in heaven that will be opened by the Judge of All living and there is only ONE WAY to get your name written in that book..Jesus Christ and knowing Him personally..Religion will not write it there nor will the name over your building you have service in, write it there. Being good enough won't write it there, giving all your money to the poor won't get it there, being a Muslim, Buddhist, Jehovah's witness, Mormon, Baptist, etc. won't write it there. Only having the Spirit of Christ living in you and guiding you, will do it.. For the same Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead must be in you to raise you up in the same manner. Without the Holy Spirit living in you, there is no hope for then, shall you be raised at the judgment seat of God and the book of life is opened..Will your name be written there?

Answer 7

Personally, I don't believe in "hell".
I believe your friend was and is is loved by God and will be given every opportunity to spend eternity with God.

God will care for him.... always.


Peace.

Answer 8

Be it Jew or any other race or nation. Suicide is a great loss. He was a coward and so are we if we take our own life. He did not trust God or his word,so he stopped the process and went to hell. He will have no rest. Death is final.

Answer 9

no hell in judaism

Answer 10

Weather he is Jewish or not is not what makes the difference where he goes. If he is a person who never accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior then yes he will go to hell when he dies. All who reject Christ as Lord and Savior of their sins will go there when they die. Later after Christ has reigned in His millennium we will see the Great White Throne Judgment take place. All those that went to hell (non believers) will appear at this judgment to give an account for their days on earth. They will all be found guilty of rejecting God's gift (His Son) whom He sent as a savior to mankind. They will then be cast into the "Lake of Fire" for all eternity along with Satan and his demons. You will find this in the book of Revelation. The question is where fo you stand my friend? what have you done with Christ? that is what they will be asked at the judgment. I would recommend to you to read the book of John in the New Testament, email me if you want further info. Cheers!