Can a soul die (make choices that will lead to its being completely destroyed)?
The Zohar 1:131a states that the souls of transgressors will became ashen cinders under the feet of the righteous. From BT Rosh Hashana 17a
Transgressors of Jewish birth and also of non-Jewish birth, who sin with their body descend to Gehenna, and are judged there for twelve months; after that time their bodies are destroyed, their souls burnt, and the winds scatter their ashes under the soles of the feet of the righteous,
further citing Malachi 3:21
And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I do make, saith the LORD of hosts
but in Pirkei Avos 4:22 states not to believe the illusion that the grave will be one's escape
Let not your heart convince you that the grave is your escape; for against your will you are formed, against your will you are born, against your will you live, against your will you die, and against your will you are destined to give a judgement and accounting before the king, king of all kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.
If the former, could sinners ultimately claim their grave to be their escape (after the 12 months)?
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