Daniel C. Matt, "Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation" (Yale UP, 2022)

Jul 19, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Daniel C. Matt, a leading authority on Jewish mysticism and former professor at prestigious institutions, dives into the life of the biblical prophet Elijah. He explores Elijah's transformation from a fierce zealot to a compassionate leader, shedding light on his pivotal role in Jewish tradition. Topics include Elijah's miraculous feats, his mysterious departure, and his ongoing presence during Passover, symbolizing redemption and messianic expectations. Discover how Elijah's legacy continues to inspire spiritual leadership and kindness in the modern world.

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ANECDOTE

Elijah in Daniel's Childhood

Daniel C. Matt grew up immersed in Jewish tradition where Elijah was a constant presence at home.
Elijah was invoked every Saturday night to conclude the Sabbath with a song welcoming him as a herald of redemption.

INSIGHT

Elijah's Biblical Drama

Elijah is a ninth-century BCE prophet who fiercely opposed Baal worship under King Ahab.
Famous for the Mount Carmel contest, Elijah is ultimately carried to heaven in a fiery chariot, a mysterious biblical ending.

INSIGHT

Elijah's Rabbinic Transformation

Rabbinic tradition transformed Elijah from fierce zealot to compassionate "super rabbi" who helps and inspires.
He becomes a shapeshifter and a link between earthly rabbis and divine wisdom in heaven.

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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.

Tune in as we speak with Daniel C. Matt about his recent book, Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation.

PLEASE NOTE: For a limited time, anyone can order the title at a 25% discount with free shipping, by using the code ELIJAH during checkout, at this link.

Also here are several video links related to Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation:

1) A conversation about Becoming Elijah between Daniel Matt and Barry Holtz at an event sponsored by the Center for Jewish History, in Manhattan, March 3, 2022:

2) A conversation between Daniel Matt and Estelle Frankel, sponsored by Chochmat HaLev, in Berkeley, March 31, 2022.

3) A talk by Daniel Matt on Becoming Elijah, sponsored by New Lehrhaus, in Berkeley, Sunday, April 3, 2022.

Daniel C. Matt is a leading authority on Jewish mysticism. He served as professor at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and has also taught at Stanford University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His publications, in addition to the The Zohar: Pritzker Edition (12 vols.), include The Essential Kabbalah (1995), God and the Big Bang (1996), and Zohar: Annotated and Explained (2002). Daniel also teaches an online Zohar course: www.sup.org/zohar/course

Michael Morales is Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus(Peeters, 2012), Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus (IVP Academic, 2015), and Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption (IVP Academic, 2020). He can be reached at mmorales@gpts.edu

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