Thanks to all freepers for the responses. BOF, your response gives me the most comfort and makes the most sense. I simply could not imagine that God would abandon Jews. The service today was moving and ancient in its feel. The Rabbi even made the point that we come into life screaming while others smile and the reverse is true at the end of life.
I believe that my friend lived up to his covenant. He loved his wife for 65 years and years after she passed. His children were another thing. But I think he loved them even if he could not accept their actions. But he was a good man who loved his neighbor as himself. I will miss him for a very long time.
That was a very sweet sermon the Rabbi gave.....very sweet.
Take comfort that God loves us all and would never renege on a promise.
I would recommend this book for a more theological response than I could present here. It is an amazing book:
http://www.amazon.com/Father-Who-Keeps-His-Promises/dp/0892838299
From the Bhagavad Gita; explaining the nature of the eternal soul:
There is not permanent existence for the body, and no cessation of existence for the soul. Those who can see the true nature of things see these conclusions about the body and soul.
Know that the soul which pervades the body is indestructable. No one can destroy that which is indestructable.
The soul is never born, nor does it ever die. Neither was it born in the past, nor will it be born in the future. It has no creation in the past, present or future, and no destruction in the past, present or future, and is therefore eternal. It is most ancient but not subject to ageing. It is not killed when the body is killed.
You were a good friend, but do not worry....
As Jews, we know exactly what happens to our soul.
B’H
(Luke 10:25 KJV) And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
(Luke 10:26 KJV) He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
(Luke 10:27 KJV) And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
(Luke 10:28 KJV) And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
HER IS YOUR ANSWER IN JESUS OWN WORDS. YOUR FRIEND HAS INHERITED ETERNAL LIFE.