Explain Elijah in Judaism

[The_Chao_Goes_Mu]

Is there a place setting for Elijah at the table at all Jewish feasts or just certain ones?
Also, Who exactly was Elijah and what happened to him?

Thank you!

C

[zev_steinhardt]

Elijah was a prophet who lived in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the period of the First Temple. He was the best-known prophet of his day.

According to II Kings, he did not die but went up to Heaven in a fiery chariot. The Talmud and Midrash have numerous tales of Elijah showing up in various guises in Jewish history and helping to rescue the Jewish sages or Jewish people in general from one insidious plot or another.

A place isn’t usually left for Elijah at a feast. However, there are two times in particular when he is said to “visit.” One is during a bris (a circumcision). An empty chair is left next to the sandek (the one holding the baby) for Elijah and, in fact, the baby is placed in it momentarily before the ceremony.

The other event is the Passover seder. Toward the end a cup is poured for Elijah and the door opened for him to enter.

Zev Steinhardt

[Lord_Ashtar]

IANAJew, but I seem to remember that Jewish lore says that when he was carried up to Heaven alive in a chariot of fire he was turned into an archangel (Metatron I think?). So yeah, there would be a place for him.

[The_Chao_Goes_Mu]

I appreciate the information. Thank you so much!

[Skammer]

In addition to his role in Judaism, which is what you specifically asked about, Elijah also makes several appearances in the Christian New Testament.

Referring to the Old Testament prophecy (Malachi) that Elijah would be sent “before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD,” Jesus says, (Matthew 11:13-15)

For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John [the Baptist]. And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Later, Elijah appeared to the disciples Peter, James and John at Jesus’ Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-4):

Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

The book of Revelation also mentions “two witnesses” who will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days from the court of the temple. One common tradition identifies these witnesses as Elijah and Enoch, but this is not specifically stated in the text (Revelation 11:1-4).