Parshat Acharei Mot tells us not to live like the nations of the world:

“Like the ways of Egypt… and of Canaan… do not do.” (Vayikra 18:3)

Why? Because their society was built on a belief that this world is all there is.
If life ends at death, then why hold back?
Why not mourn with despair? Cheat when no one sees? Do whatever feels good?

That’s why they tore their hair in grief. That’s why they cut themselves when someone died.
Because for them — death was the end.

But we live with a different truth:

“V’chai bahem” — live by My mitzvot… and you will truly live.

Rashi says this refers to eternal life — Olam Haba.
And in that light, everything changes.

If life is eternal, then every moment has meaning.
Every mitzvah brings life — in this world and the next.
And even death isn’t an end — it’s a step forward.

So Hashem isn’t just giving us commandments.
He’s giving us a lens — a worldview — that fills our lives with hope, purpose, and eternity.

Don’t live like this is the end.
Live like this is just the beginning.
Because when you live with eternity in mind… you live differently.