The Shunnamite Woman: Who is to Blame for the Death of the Boy?

We examine the riveting tale of a miraculous birth, unexpected death, and instance of resurrection at the hands of the prophet Elisha. This story  is the haftara for Parashat Vayera, and there is symmetry between these stories: Both contain the elements of hospitality, childbirth after infertility, and miraculous restoration of life from the brink of death. Our exploration leads us through different perspectives on what went wrong in the story – why the child died and where Elisha and Gehazi lost their way. The Shunamite woman emerges as the heroine of this story. Her spiritual aspirations serve as a shining example, and she ultimately brings Elisha back to himself – and back to God.