Gehenna (Hebrew: Gehinnom (the place of spiritual purification after death); Greek: Geenna) originated as "the valley of the son of Hinnom," south of Jerusalem, where child sacrifices to Moloch occurred. The term became figurative for hell itself. According to rabbinic sources, hell was created by God, with varying accounts placing its creation on different days—some saying the second day, others claiming it predated creation itself.
The location remains debated in Jewish sources. While traditionally associated with the valley near Jerusalem, rabbinical texts describe it as having "three gates, one in the wilderness, one in the sea, and one in Jerusalem." Descriptions emphasize its immense size: "The earth is one-sixtieth of the garden...Eden one-sixtieth of Gehenna."
Physical characteristics include perpetual fire—described as "sixty times as hot as any earthly fire"—and sulfurous odors. Notably, despite the intense heat, "Gehenna is dark in spite of the immense masses of fire; it is like night."
JUDGMENT AND PUNISHMENT
Rabbinic thought established that righteous individuals proceed to paradise while sinners descend to hell. However, nuanced categories existed: only those between the wholly pious and arch-sinners required purification through twelve months in Gehenna. Certain serious transgressions—particularly adultery, shaming neighbors, or heresy—resulted in permanent punishment without resurrection.
Specific sins guaranteed hellish punishment, including "unchastity...adultery, idolatry, pride, mockery, hypocrisy, anger." Conversely, charitable acts, fasting, visiting the sick, and religious observance provided protection from damnation.