Elijah the Prophet as an Embodiment of Wisdom in Rabbinic Literature

Hilla Alouf-Aboody

Abstract for World Union of Jewish Studies Conference

Session: Embodiment of Wisdom

Title: Elijah the Prophet as the Embodiment of Wisdom in Rabbinic Literature

Elijah the Prophet serves as a unique character in rabbinic literature in his appearance not only as a biblical prophet, but also as a redeeming figure in the messianic era, and a teacher of wisdom in the rabbinic present. This paper will explore the nexus of these three representations of Elijah and the manner in which they reflect rabbinic conceptions of wisdom. The Elijah traditions in rabbinic literature can assist in understanding how wisdom evolved in Jewish thought. It is my contention that Elijah was a conduit for wisdom and his appearance can be described as an embodiment of wisdom in the rabbinic present through his appearances to rabbinic and non rabbinic figures. This paper will explore such questions as why is it necessary for wisdom to be embodied, and why is Elijah one of the in whom wisdom is embodied? I will utilize the research of Cornelius Bennama and his discussion of wisdom and it’s development in the Second Temple era in order to highlight the wisdom elements of the Elijah traditions. Bennema highlights three different manifestations of wisdom, the spirit- centered, the torah-centered, and the apocalyptic-centered wisdom tradition, respectively. I will demonstrate how Elijah is associated with these three forms of wisdom and a analyze selected rabbinic texts that explore these different forms of wisdom and discuss Elijah’s role as the embodiment and manifestation of these wisdom forms. The analysis of the Elijah traditions in rabbinic literature will shed light on the development of wisdom in rabbinic thought and highlight its multifaceted nature.