A single moment of repentance and good deeds in this world is greater than all of the world to come.

“He [Rabbi Jacob] used to say: A single moment of repentance and good deeds in this world is greater than all of the world to come. And an hour of bliss in the world to come is better than all the life of this world.”

Tractate of Avot 4:17

An hour of repentance, abandoning our sins, and cleaving to the right path is more precious than the world to come—as these actions are precisely what guarantee eternal life. Put differently, access to the world of souls depends on our performance in this world. An hour of spiritual progress is equivalent to the afterlife because it can only take place on earth. Though our highest ascent will only happen after we enter paradise, it will all depend on our behavior in this world.

Cleanliness is the result of avoiding evil stemming from both internal and external impulses.

“Rabbi Jacob said: This world is like an entrance chamber before the world to come. Prepare yourself in the entrance chamber so that you may enter the banquet hall.”

Tractate of Avot 4:16

Just as the entrance chamber leads to the main hall, so too our earthly life is only an introductory phase before returning to heaven. It’s imperative that we prepare for the “world of truth” in the same way that we prepare ourselves before entering a glamorous reception. Only those who got ready before entering the main hall will merit remaining there permanently.

Purity is achieved by restricting negative impulses and eliminating evil thoughts and deeds.