Eliyahu HaNavi ... Part I

Motzei Shabbos, light a candle for Eliyah HaNavi, incorporate into your Melava Malka stories about Eliyahu, and before bentching, sing Eliyahu's song. Have in mind that you are asking Eliyahu to come soon and announce Moshiach's arrival. Your requesting the arrival of Moshiach will not go unnoticed by Hashem, and is one of the Rambam's ikkarim.

The appearance of mysterious men on missions of rescue and salvation throughout our nation’s history has always been attributed to the Prophet Eliyahu. Who exactly is this man, and how does he continue to impact upon the survival of the Jewish Nation?This month’s installment surveys the words of our Sages and ancient history in order to present a clearer picture of Eliyahu Hanavi and the role he will play in our redemption process and in shaping our nation’s future.

The Last Recorded Prophecy

The Tanach contains many recorded prophecies pertaining to Mashiah’s arrival and the events that will unfold at that time. In the final prophecy recorded before the end of nevua (prophecy), the prophet Malachi conveys the following promise to the Jewish people: “Behold I will send to you Eliyahu Hanavi prior to the onset of the great and awesome day of Gd…” (Malachi 3:23).

The commentaries[1] explain that “the great and awesome day of Gd” refers to the time of Mashiah’s arrival. Just prior to the onset of the Messianic age, the ancient prophet Eliyahu, who lived during the First Temple era, will be sent forth and appear in person to the Jewish nation to herald our redemption.

When Exactly Will Eliyahu Come?

We find different indications as to when precisely Eliyahu will arrive. The commonly assumed opinion[2] is that he will arrive together with Mashiah ben David. In fact, many have the custom to recite a short prayer before or after havdalah on Mossa’ei Shabbat, “Eliyahu Hanavi…bimhera yavo elenu im Mashiah ben David – Eliyahu Hanavi... may he speedily come forth to us with Mashiah ben David.”

Other sources[3], however, claim that Eliyahu will arrive one or three days before Mashiah ben David, while others say that he will come even earlier, before Mashiah ben Yosef.[4]

to be continued