What happens to the righteous and wicked in some Jewish eschatological teachings?

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In Jewish eschatological teachings, the fate of the righteous and the wicked evolved significantly over time, moving from early biblical views of a shared, shadowy existence in Sheol to later doctrines of resurrection and individual judgment.12

  • The Righteous: In later apocalyptic and rabbinic thought, the righteous are expected to be resurrected to enjoy the fulfillment of God’s promises and participate in the messianic age, often referred to as olam ha-ba (the world to come). This state represents a restoration of the world where the just are vindicated.1324
  • The Wicked: Conversely, the wicked face different outcomes depending on the specific tradition. Some texts describe them being "burned up like stubble" or suffering "shame and everlasting contempt" upon resurrection. In other postbiblical writings, the wicked are consigned to Gehenna, a realm of postmortem punishment. While some depictions view Gehenna as a place of eternal fiery torment, other rabbinic interpretations characterize it as a redemptive, purifying fire that burns away impurities to restore the soul to perfection.125

Ultimately, Jewish tradition emphasizes that forfeiting one's share in the world to come is considered the greatest calamity.1