Do Those Who Sanctify God’s Name Have a Share in the World to Come?
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Do those who sanctify God’s name have a share in the World to Come
Posted on 25/10/2005
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Do those who sanctify God’s name have a share in the World to Come?
A brief question occurred to me today:
In Yizkor we ask the Holy One, blessed be He, to bind the souls of those who sanctify God’s name in the bond of life, by virtue of the charity given for the elevation of their souls.
Is death in sanctification of God’s name not sufficient in order to get there? Why is charity needed for this?
I thought that perhaps the intention is to one who died simply because he was a Jew, without being given the choice between transgressing and being killed. Seemingly, such a person deserves no reward for that, contrary to the prevalent popular belief (and to the stock phrases of national eulogists). And here I would ask: what is the source of this claim (the Epistle on Apostasy?) and what is the rationale behind it?
A thought has now occurred to me in resolving the first difficulty: perhaps one should distinguish between the reward due them—which they certainly have by virtue of dying in sanctification of God’s name—and their continuing to act now in the world they left behind. If someone gives charity on their account, then they are still considered \”alive\” and active in the world.
I would be glad to hear additional suggestions and responses on both points (the difficulty in Yizkor, and the source and rationale regarding death for the mere fact of being Jewish).
Source (\”Stop Here, Think\” forum): http://www.bhol.co.il/forums/topic.asp?topic_id=1638396