Daily Prophets
Day 8
In 1Kings 20:16, God instructs Elijah to anoint his successor, Elisha. Elijah does this and, apparently, teaches Elisha how to be a prophet. In 2Kings Chapter 2, we see the deep love and commitment that they had for each other. Elisha does not want to leave Elijah, he doesn’t want him to die/depart from the earth. It is touching and reminiscent of how all of us feel when a loved one, a teacher, a friend are nearing their death. We don’t want them to leave and we cling to them. Elisha keeps wanting one last moment, one last conversation with Elijah, as I read this chapter.
How prophetic this is, I want one last conversation with my father, my mother, my uncles and aunts, my cousins, my brother, my friends who have died. I want one last conversation with my grandparents to be imbued with their strength to begin again in a country that was so foreign to them. I want to ask my father so many questions. I want to laugh and hear stories from my late relatives. I want to again thank my mother for all she did and was in my life. I want to let my friends and teachers know how much they have shaped me and to my brother Stuart, how much his goodness shined on me and everyone else. As I write this, I realize that I have these conversations often. In fact, there is not just one last conversation.
“A fiery chariot with fiery horses suddenly appeared and separated one from the other; and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”(2KIngs 2:11) Just as Elijah did not die and the Talmud has many stories of Elijah appearing in the world, so too do our loved ones don’t die. In writing this, and as many of you know I usually have no idea where my writing will take me, I realize that Eternal Life is continuing the conversation between the living and the dead. I still hear the voices of all the people I loved and loved me. I still talk about and to my father daily. I think about my mother and hear her voice (usually telling me what is wrong with me:)) and I continue to converse with friends and teachers. An example, for me, is to engage with Rabbi Heschel both through reading, teaching, praying, studying, walking, etc. I do the same with my father, and other relatives and friends. In fact, there are times when they are the only ones I can talk to and hear. Not because of a lack of people near me, just because I have been having a conversation about being a better human being with some of them for over 50 years, longer than most friendships/relationships I have.
How fitting that Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. He was a firebrand and, as Ahab says earlier, an enemy to the Kings who worshiped false idols, including themselves. How appropriate for a prophet to be both a firebrand and an enemy of those in power who don’t worship Adonai. Given the events of last Wednesday, we are witnessing many firebrands and people taking oppositional stands against President Trump. While many say it is too little too late, I am heartened that they have finally heard Adonai calling them to stand up for justice, truth and democracy. I am heartened that people are able to repent. I am disheartened that Moscow Mitch is still being an obstructionist. I am disheartened that Cruz, Hawley, McCarthy, et al, are still allowed to serve in a democracy that they tried to tear down and turn into an authoritarian state. I hear the voice of Elijah in many people who are calling for a change in ‘politics as usual’ and I am heartened.
What does Elisha ask for from Elijah before God calls him? “Let a double-portion of your spirit pass on to me.”(2Kings 2:9). How fitting and proper a request from student to teacher! I am aware of how many students ask for that from their teachers and are blessed to receive it. I think of my friend and teacher, Rabbi Ed Feinstein and how he received a double-portion of the spirit of Rabbi Harold Shulweis, who’s life will be celebrated at the time of his 6th Yahrtzeit later this month. I think of the many students of Rabbi Heschel who have continued his teachings and spread his message. I think of all the Spiritual leaders who receive a double-portion of spirit from both teachers and God and I understand Elisha’s request. It is not for himself he wants it, it is to ensure that he carries on the work of his teacher and his work for Adonai. Don’t we all want that? How are you using the double-portion of spirit you received from parents, teachers, family, God, etc?
Lastly, Elijah leaves his mantle for Elisha. He uses it to part the waters, he uses it as a cloak for himself, he uses it to remember that he is teaching in the name of his teacher, I believe. What an awesome responsibility, so many people want to be THE ONE who comes up with the newest thing and forget to give gratitude and proper credit to the people who helped and/or gave them the idea in the first place. Elisha is teaching us all to rejoice in our teacher’s wisdom, use the wisdom in our own way and honor the spirit of the teaching. It is not magic, it is not false humility, it is respect and gratitude to do this. To not do this, to many people, is theft of ideas and words. In this time of turbulence, let us remember and live the teachings of Elijah and Elisha, let us remember and live the teachings of Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Lincoln, etc. Let us all make a decision to live in the spirit of our prophets and in the spirit of Adonai. God Bless, Stay Safe, Rabbi Mark