Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation

· Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Barry Abrams
Audiobook
5 hr 55 min
Unabridged
Eligible
Ratings and reviews aren’t verified  Learn More
Want a 36 min sample? Listen anytime, even offline. 
Add

About this audiobook

The story of the prophet Elijah's transformation from fierce zealot to compassionate hero and cherished figure in Jewish tradition In the Bible Elijah is a zealous prophet, attacking idolatry and injustice, championing God. He performs miracles, restoring life and calling down fire. When his earthly life ends, he vanishes in a whirlwind, carried off to heaven in a fiery chariot. Was this a spectacular death, or did Elijah escape death entirely? The latter view prevailed. Though residing in heaven, Elijah revisits earth-to help, rescue, enlighten, and eventually herald the Messiah. Because of his messianic role, Jews open the door for Elijah during each seder-the meal commemorating liberation from slavery and anticipating final redemption. How did this zealot turn into a compassionate hero-apparently the most popular figure in Jewish tradition? Becoming Elijah explores this question, tracing how Elijah develops from the Bible to Rabbinic Judaism, Kabbalah, and Jewish ritual (as well as Christianity and Islam). His transformation is pertinent and inspirational for our polarized, fanatical world.

About the author

Daniel C. Matt is a leading authority on Kabbalah. His nine-volume annotated translation, The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, was honored with a National Jewish Book Award and has been hailed as "a monumental contribution to the history of Jewish thought."

Barry Abrams has narrated and produced audiobooks for a variety of publishers. Since 2012, he has also hosted and produced ESPN's In the Gate podcast. Based in Danbury, Connecticut, Barry engineers and calls live webcasts of his son's ice hockey games.

Rate this audiobook

Tell us what you think.

Listening information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can read books purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.