Published:
August 10, 2026
Originally recorded:
March 18, 2021
In this lesson, we explore Elijah the Prophet — half angel, half human — who never died but ascended in a chariot of fire, remaining eternally present as the bearer of good news, destined to announce creation's final redemption. His stand against the 450 false prophets teaches that spiritual growth means choosing one path fully, not straddling Light and darkness. His despair in the cave shows how a single sustaining thought can carry us through our darkest days. And his travels with Rav Yehoshua ben Levi — sparing a grieving widow, hiding a stingy man's fortune — remind us that appearances rarely tell the whole story; true sight means trusting a deeper truth we may not yet see. We can connect with Elijah's energy anytime we pause, close our eyes, and invite him in — or ask, as Elisha did, for a double portion of strength and courage to carry our own mission forward.
The kabbalists say that storytelling, beyond being a powerful way to convey messages and inspire, speaks directly to the soul. The teachings of Kabbalah are filled with allegories, as much of the wisdom that was passed on in story from ancient times. The spiritual meaning in stories of righteous souls assist us in getting the insight and the awakening to expand our consciousness and to integrate within ourselves elevated qualities and behavior.