The first Mishna in the last chapter of Avos (6;1) says that every Jewish Person has a portion in the World-to-Come.

This well know Mishna is often misunderstood to mean that every Jew has a guaranteed portion in the world-to-come and will receive eternal reward. In truth though the continuation of this Mishna, found in Sanhedrin, proceeds with a long list of people and sinners who do not have a portion in the world-to-come. Certain sins and aspects which are fundamental to our faith are required of every Jew or they in fact will not merit in the world-to-come.

To think that it is just enough to be Jewish is absolutely wrong. But even if we don't have any of those sins which would prevent us from eternal reward, why does the Mishna equate everyone else, obviously among those who merit the world-to-come some are more righteous than others. In truth, there is in fact an exacting judgement and within the world-to-come each person will receive reward in accord with their actions; not everyone will be at the same level.

May we internalize into our hearts that there is an afterlife and all of our actions in this world will be accounted for eternally.

Shabbat Shalom,

Happy and healthy New Year to everyone! 

Heath