Question:
Can there be eternal hell or is it a maximum 12 months? And who doesn't go to hell?
Answer:
Hello,
In general, this is what it seems, that the wicked are subject to gehinnom (hell) for 12 months. However, there are exceptions.
The basic reason that a soul goes to Gehinnom, is to cleanse the soul of all of its sins. Therefore, it is possible that a person repented for his sins, or suffered in this world, and that suffering cleansed the person’s soul to the degree that the person does not need any more cleansing.
Best wishes
Sources:
ע' דברי סופרים ס' שע"ו ס"ק ל"ט, וע' גמ' ב"ב ע"ד. לענין קרח, וזה ודאי היתה אחרי י"ב חודש.
