Question
I was asked by someone if the Book of Life is mentioned in the bible. I’m not sure if it is mentioned in the Torah or the New Testament, or if it is mentioned in the Psalms. Can you help me by answering that question? Thank you
Answer
The “Book of Life” is in the liturgy of the prayers of the High Holidays. Since G-d judges everyone on Rosh Hashana, we ask Him to inscribe us in the “Book of Life” for that year. The idea that G-d judges each individual on Rosh Hashana is found extensively in the Oral Bible. The fact that G-d forgives sins on Yom Kippur is discussed in the Written Bible in the section which describes the service on Yom Kippur in the Temple (Acharai Mos).
Rabbi Meth