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What do Jews believe?
Jews have many different beliefs about death and the afterlife. The “classic” Jewish belief is that when we die, only the body dies, and the soul lives forever with God.

Some believe that all Jews will be resurrected when the Messiah comes and brought to Jerusalem. (This is why Jews are buried facing Jerusalem.)

Some believe that in a spiritual way we are reconnected with loved ones after death.

Some pray for God to accept their death as atonement for all their sins.

And there are also Jews who believe that when their life is over, there is nothing more.
Not all Jews hold the same beliefs, which is perfectly acceptable.

Are Jews rewarded for a good life?    
Jews believe that God is good. Some think that God rewards people in the “world to come” for their good behavior in this world.

However, Jews also accept that often this is not the case, for many very good people die before their time, sometimes in very painful ways.
    
Why do people die?
Most Jews believe that death comes as a result of illness, accident, etc., and not “God’s will” for us. Most believe that our earthly life is the best there is.

Though most believe that death can be a relief from suffering from pain, illness, etc. most Jews do not believe that when they die they go to a “better place,” in the sense that it is better than being alive.

Do all Jews agree?
Jewish theology includes a variety of beliefs concerning death and the afterlife.

How do we provide comfort?
We try not to presume to know what another person believes. This is why we have to be careful when we want to comfort someone by saying something like, “she’s in a better place.” Not everyone believes in the same way, and we need to understand and respect that.