Jewish belief is that all people are equal, possessing dignity, and are created in God's image. Jews are encouraged to care not only for their own lives but also for those less fortunate than themselves, such as sick, troubled, poor and captive people. Jews believe that everyday must be lived to its very fullest extent.
Judaism's response to the question of life promotes good will between people, encouraging Jews to care for and love one another. This religion unites humanity as one large family, Jewish people consequently feeling a certain sense of closeness for one another. This sense of closeness would bring comfort to Jews through the knowledge that they are loved while living and will be mourned by many when dead, and that they have the support of many in times of hardship. Furthermore, Jews are encouraged to lead each day to its fullest, which will leave less room for regrets when looking back on their lives and less time to believe that their lives lack meaning.
DEATH.
No matter at what point in life death occurs, it is not seen as a tragedy, but as a transition from one state of existence to another (Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, 1975). Death is a natural process, an unavoidable event in life, and has meaning, just as life does. Everything is a part of God's plan. Jews possess a firm belief in an afterlife, or the world to come (Judaism: Background, Basic Beliefs and Sacred Texts [06/04/03]). Those who have led a fulfilling life and who have lived by God's laws will be rewarded in the afterlife. The righteous will eventually be reunited with their God, in a resurrection of body and soul as a reward of a life well lived. Jews do not profess to "an exclusive right to heaven"; this reward is available for every person, not just Jews.
While death is not seen as a tragedy, the deceased are still mourned. Mourning practises are extensive, both to demonstrate respect for the departed and to console the living who will miss them (Lovat, et al.
