YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The Rishonim asked two questions. First, how could Eliyahu give more to Elisha than he himself possessed? Second, what connection is there between Elisha viewing Eliyahu’s departure and fulfillment of his request?
The Ralbag answered the first question simply, saying that the request was to have twice as much of Eliyahu’s spirit as other students would have, not double Eliyahu’s powers. Seeing Eliyahu was just a sign of acceptance. He does not explain why it appears that Elisha did perform more miracles.
Yalkut Shimoni explains that when Eliyahu split the Jordan, it was done in the merit of both him and Elisha. When Elisha did so on the way back, it was for him alone. Thus, we can say that Elisha possessed his own merit plus that of Eliyahu, thus giving him double.
The Derashot Haran takes a different approach. As Eliyahu was being carried up to the Heaven, his spiritual level soared in an unprecedented manner. If Elisha could tap into his spirit at that time, he would receive more than Eliyahu had possessed previously. Thus, both questions are answered logically. Elisha did not get more than Eliyahu possessed at the time he gave it, and he needed to be connected at the correct moment to receive it.
Let us give an explanation in a totally different direction. The Radak’s father understood pi sh’nayim as two thirds, as the Torah uses the phrase regarding a first born receiving a double portion of inheritance in a case where there were two sons. Again, this assumes that Elisha did not think of asking for more than Eliyahu possessed. Very possibly Elisha feared that due to Eliyahu’s despondency regarding prospects for the future, no powers would be transferred to his disciples (see Melachim I, 19:10-14). Indeed, other students lost their ability to prophesy when Eliyahu disappeared, as we see in Yericho and Beit El. Elisha, who clung to Eliyahu until the end, received two thirds. How do we explain the apparent fact that Elisha performed more miracles?
We can answer based on the Ramban. That which appears as the world operating based on the rules of nature is really a series of hidden miracles. In some ways, open miracles are a sign of a lower spiritual level. Thus, the increase in open miracles at the time of Elisha is not an indication of a higher spiritual level than Eliyahu possessed.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.