Outline Jewish eschatology referring to the three main principles; the afterlife; the Messianic age and the Moshiach .
Eschatology refers to the expectation of the end of time and eventual human demise. This broad definition includes possibilities such as the end of the human world or physical earth or even the transfer of earth into heaven or vice-versa. The cause of this is usually viewed as being divine, transcendent or supernatural. Therefore the question of eschatology varies between different religions. Jewish eschatology relies heavily on the Tenach, in particular the Pentateuch, but as there is not much dogma about these issues there is also much room for personal interpretation.
The Afterlife .
Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human existence. However, Judaism is predominantly focused on how to live life at the present rather than in the future therefore there is limited information about the topic. Because of this there are many different views on the afterlife that have been established by different people. Many Orthodox Jews believe that the souls of the righteous dead go to a place similar to the Christian heaven while others believe that everyone simply waits for the coming of the Messiah when they will be resurrected. Similarly Jews may believe that the souls of the wicked are tormented by demons they have created or simply cease to exist therefore never being resurrected.
While the Torah emphasizes immediate, concrete and physical rewards and punishments rather than those in the afterlife there is clear evidence of belief in existence after death. An example of this is in Daniel 12:2 "Many of those who have already died will live again: some will enjoy eternal life, and some will suffer eternal disgrace." Following this there is evidence of punishment for committing sins in Genesis 17:14 "Any male who has not been circumcised will no longer be considered one of my people, because he has not kept the covenant with me.