Do All Jews Have a Share in the World to Come?

During Kabbalat Shabbat, many Sephardic communities recite the Mishnah: “All Israel have a share in the World to Come, as it is said: ‘Your people are all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever… the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, in which I take pride’” (Sanhedrin 10:1, based on Yeshayahu 60:21).

From this, many people come to believe that every Jew will ultimately merit a place in the World to Come, a spiritual realm of goodness among the righteous, and a share in the eternal future after redemption and the resurrection of the dead.

The Missing Half of the Mishnah

This comforting belief often stems from overlooking the continuation of the Mishnah, which states: “And these are those who have no share in the World to Come,” and then lists specific transgressions for which a person can lose that share.

Rabbi Yisrael Lipschitz, author of Tiferet Yisrael, explains that such individuals lose their eternal spiritual reward and may be judged for generations.

He supports this with the words of the prophet Daniel regarding the time of redemption and resurrection: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awaken” (Daniel 12:2).

The word “many” — not “all” teaches that not everyone will merit eternal life.

A partial and mistaken understanding of this Mishnah allows people to quiet their conscience. It enables them to live comfortably, shaping Torah observance according to personal convenience, rather than full commitment.

Instead of aligning their lives with the Torah, they adjust the Torah to fit their lifestyle.

Korach’s Argument: “We Are All Holy”

The Torah presents a powerful example of this idea through Korach.

Korach envied Aharon’s appointment as High Priest. When he was not chosen, he rebelled against Moshe’s leadership. To gain support, he used an argument people wanted to hear:
“The entire congregation is holy, and God is among them—why do you elevate yourselves above the people?”

He promoted a message of equality — suggesting no need for Moshe and Aharon’s leadership, since all had stood at Mount Sinai. His slogan was: “Everyone is already holy.”

In contrast, Moshe delivered God’s message: “You shall be holy.”

Holiness Is Not Automatic

A Jew does not automatically become holy or merit the World to Come. Holiness is something we must become.

It requires effort of leaving our comfort zone and engaging in spiritual work: growing, refining ourselves, and drawing closer to God through Torah and mitzvot.

As the Torah says: “So that you shall remember and perform all My commandments, and be holy to your God.”

Only through fulfilling the commandments do we become truly holy.

The Vision of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, the great leader of German Jewry, clarified this idea powerfully: The people of Israel are not already holy — they are “people of a holy calling.”

They have a sacred mission, but they must still rise and grow toward it. They must not confuse their potential with their reality. They should not see themselves as holy simply because they were chosen for a holy purpose.

Rather, that purpose must remain a goal to continuously strive toward.

Holiness is not a status, but a process. The World to Come is not guaranteed, it is earned.

The Torah’s message is clear: We are not called to assume we are already there, but to grow, strive, and become who we are destined to be.