So when one does mitzva XYZ, one is often said to be "guaranteed a share in the World to Come". For instance, reciting Ashrei 3 times a day. OK.

How does this work? Since all of Israel have a share in the WTC, except those who commit some specific transgressions, how does saying Ashrei help? Does saying Ashrei overwrite the punishment of losing your helek due to those other transgressions and still sneak you into the WTC?

And specifically with regard to Ashrei, do you have to say it every single day of your adult life, and if not, you void the guarantee?

Or is this just a polemical turn of speech by the Chazal to say "Hey don't forget to say Ashrei" but they aren't making any literal statements about getting into the WTC?

Help!

I see WTC and I think World Trade Center and not World to Come.

That's the kind of corruption of the mind that happens when you follow current events instead of learning Torah.

Writing World to Come instead of Olam Haba is the kind of corruption of the mind that happens when you follow current events instead of learning Torah.

Back on topic please

bump!

i've wondered this too.

i figured like this: every jew has a portion of olam haba, unless they do something that gets it taken away (like embarassing a friend in front of others). however, if you do something good (i.e., extra credit) then you get bonus points and either get a bigger portion or a nicer portion. so instead of the equivelant of a 2x2 portion of space in olam haba, you get upgraded every time you do something that "guarantees" one a place in OH.

alternatively, you get a better spot. as in, you get to sit with whomever you choose. so the more "guarantees" you do during your lifetime, the more likely you are to get promoted to a better location sitting next to tzaddikim or whatever. or the more guarantees you did during your lifetime, the farther away you sit from the gates of gehenom.

again, i have no sources as i made these up.

The rabbi I asked about this on shabbat said essentially the same thing.
http://www.hashkafah.com/index.php?s=&...st&p=987835