Sublime

Cervidae

For the rabbi in distress—and for his oppressed and colonized people—Elijah breaks the rules of the game, in which the Romans governing Palestine (or the Persians governing Babylonia) always win and the Jews always lose. Elijah in disguise opens unpredictable possibilities.

Elijah fills a need for hope—and for justice.

Elijah reveals that divine truth embraces multiple and conflicting possibilities of meaning. God does not merely tolerate the varieties of truth; He commends them by quoting both differing interpretations and calling each rabbi “My son.” By reporting God’s study habits, Elijah affirms the sages’ innovative exegesis.

Elijah-people, bearers of good tidings, being open to heartening and buoyant illuminations that not only enliven the life of the mind, but also lift up hearts and send positive energy in all directions.