How Do the Bnei Nevi’im Know?
On the day of Eliyahu HaNavi’s ascent, the Bnei HaNevi’im,150As we identify in the previous chapter, the Bnei HaNevi’im in Beit El and Yericho are likely Eliyahu HaNavi’s students. both in Beit El and Yericho, approach Elisha, and ask him “HaYadata Ki HaYom Hashem Lokei’ach Et Adonecha Mei’Al Roshecha,” “Did you know that today Hashem is taking your master from upon your head?” (Melachim II 2:3 and 2:5). How are the Bnei Nevi’im aware of Eliyahu HaNavi’s imminent departure? After all, Eliyahu HaNavi does not seem to announce his departure to them. In fact, it seems that Eliyahu HaNavi does not say a single word to the Bnei HaNevi’im in Beit El and Yericho.151This, of course, raises the question as to the purpose of both visits.
Radak’s Explanation
Radak (Melachim I 2:1) assumes that the Bnei Nevi’im are informed via Nevu’ah, prophetic means. Might there be an alternative explanation?
A New Explanation
We suggest an answer based on Eliyahu HaNavi’s previous history of using indirect communication with his students. For example, when he first encounters Elisha, Eliyahu HaNavi throws his mantle onto his soon-to-be protégé. Often, Eliyahu HaNavi chooses to use a non-verbal, more implicit form of communication.
Perhaps by appearing to the Bnei HaNevi’im and remaining silent, Eliyahu HaNavi expresses that he will soon go completely silent since he will shortly depart from the world.
Eliyahu HaNavi’s Continued Guidance
The Gemara (Sotah 36b) famously relates that Yosef resisted the temptation of Eishet Potifar after the image of his father appeared to him. Accordingly, we suggest that Eliyahu HaNavi silently communicates to the Bnei HaNevi’im that even after he departs, they will still be able to cope with any future challenges, as his image will continue to guide them. Whenever they are faced with a challenge, they should conjure up Eliyahu HaNavi’s image in their minds, and contemplate what he would do in such a situation. Thus, Eliyahu HaNavi’s influence extends past his departure from the world.
The Chafetz Chaim, in relatively recent times, was a very powerful personality who exerted enormous influence on our people, especially after the religiously tumultuous period in the aftermath of the First World War. The Chafetz Chaim’s many speeches and writings kept many Jews on track during those very challenging times. After his death in 1933, the Chafetz Chaim’s ubiquitous iconic photograph has kept many on the Torah path.152Kol HaKavod to the TABC students who showed me the image of the Chafetz Chaim they maintain on their computers and smartphones screens to remind them to adhere to kosher standards when using them.
In his essay The Source of Faith is Faith Itself, Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein likewise acknowledges the impact his teachers had on his spiritual character:
What I received from all my mentors, at home or in yeshivot, was the key to confronting life, particularly modern life, in all its complexity: the recognition that it was not so necessary to have all the answers as to learn to live with the questions. Regardless of what issues–moral, theological, textual or historical–vexed me, I was confident that they had been raised by masters far sharper and wiser than myself; and if they had remained impregnably steadfast in their commitment, so should and could I. I intuited that, his categorical formulations and imperial certitude notwithstanding, Rav Hutner had surely confronted whatever questions occurred to me. Later, I felt virtually certain the Rav had, so that the depth and intensity of their avodat Hashem was doubly reassuring.153Lichtenstein, Rabbi Aharon. “The Source of Faith Is Faith Itself.” Jewish Action, 20 Apr. 2015, jewishaction.com/religion/faith/the-source-of-faith-is-faith-itself/. Originally published in the fall 1992 issue of Jewish Action.
Conclusion
Yeshayahu 30:20 teaches “VeHayu Einecha Ro’ot Et Morecha,” “your eyes should see the image of your teacher.” Whether in person, in a picture, or simply a memory, the image of a spiritual giant can maintain and fortify an individual’s Torah integrity. May we always keep the images of our great leaders close to our mind’s eye, so that we continue to ascend the mountain of Hashem.