Eliyahu's Mantle

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1. Eliyahu in Horev (Part 9)

   The First Encounter Between Eliyahu and Elisha (Part 2)

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   Eliyahu casts his mantle towards Elisha, not only signaling that Elisha is going to become a prophet, but also implying that Elisha is destined to inherit Eliyahu's own role as the prophet of his generation. However, the Divine command previously indicated that God has chosen as Eliyahu's successor a prophet whose attitude is different from Eliyahu's, and is tasked with correcting the zealousness in Eliyahu's approach. It is difficult to find so stark a contrast as that between the prophetic activity of Eliyahu and the prophetic activity of Elisha.

2. The Storm (Part 12)

   After Eliyahu's Ascent (II)

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   The first part of our story concludes with Elisha's mourning. The second half of our story begins with the opposite action: the lifting and taking of Eliyahu's mantle.  The contrast seems to be an expression of the ambivalent nature of the situation. On one hand there is sorrow and mourning. At the same time, Elisha feels joy at the privilege of being Eliyahu's heir and successor as prophet in Israel. The apprentice prophets see Eliyahu's mantle, with all that it implies, in Elisha's hand, and they see what Elisha does with it, repeating the miracle of crossing the Jordan River as Eliyahu had previously done. Despite the tension that prevailed between Eliyahu and Elisha after the mantle was cast for the first time, and before it falls for the second time, the transfer of the mantle from master to disciple is what ultimately defines the nature of the bond between them.

3. In a Whirlwind

   Rabbi Alex Israel

   Eliyahu's dramatic ascent to the heavens highlights Elisha as opposed to the other Bnei Ha'Nevi'im. Elisha is also Eliyahu's succesor, but also operates in a completely different manner. Elisha, is always surrounded by other people and is deeply sensitive to the needs of others. Eliyahu is a lone spiritual figure.