Description

The story of the prophet Elijahs transformation from fierce zealot to compassionate hero and cherished figure in Jewish tradition

In the Bible Elijah is a zealous prophet attacking idolatry and injustice championing God He performs miracles restoring life and calling down fire When his earthly life ends he vanishes in a whirlwind carried off to heaven in a fiery chariot Was this a spectacular death or did Elijah escape death entirely The latter view prevailed Though residing in heaven Elijah revisits earthto help rescue enlighten and eventually herald the Messiah Because of his messianic role Jews open the door for Elijah during each sederthe meal commemorating liberation from slavery and anticipating final redemption

How did this zealot turn into a compassionate heroapparently the most popular figure in Jewish tradition Becoming Elijah explores this question tracing how Elijah develops from the Bible to Rabbinic Judaism Kabbalah and Jewish ritual as well as Christianity and Islam His transformation is pertinent and inspirational for our polarized fanatical world