The Prophet Elijah and the Coming of Messiah
There was once a Torah academy on the edge of town. The Yeshiva enjoyed a modest success. Its rabbis, already middle-aged, were not considered the greatest of scholars or educators, but they were dedicated and sincere. The Yeshiva went along like this for many years without changing.
Then one day, while the Rabbis were sitting together after the evening prayers, the dean of admissions said, “Enrollment is going down. Students are leaving.”
The Supervisor of Students added, “They are not devoted to their studies like they used to be.”
The Rosh Yeshiva sighed deeply, and said, “If so, it is only a reflection of us.”
The other Rabbis considered the words of their leader in silence. As the days turned into weeks, the rabbis began to worry. Students continued leaving the Yeshiva, one after another. If the departure continued, the yeshiva might have to close. Something must be done.
Their positions were in jeopardy and they had no pensions. Their families would suffer, as would their reputations. The rabbis contemplated.We must do something. If the Yeshiva closes, all our work will end with us. The remaining students seemed to sense the rabbi’s worries, but this did not inspire them. Rather they became more removed, less inspired and involved with themselves.
One night the rabbis heard someone talking about a hidden tzaddik who lived deep in a nearby forest. However, it was not their custom to visit ‘holy men’. They themselves were considered ‘holy men.’ But what could they do? They would have to swallow their pride and visit the tzaddik.
A time was set when the rabbis would be able to leave the Yeshiva in secret. They were not convinced of the holy man’s powers, as one knows how stories circulate. But nonetheless, one night after Shabbat when the students were away, the rabbis put on their top coats and hats and were driven deep into the forest.
They found a path that led to a clearing and a simple cabin. Before they set foot on the front step, the cabin door opened. An old man in the white garments of the Sabbath greeted them with a brilliant smile and great honor. He ushered them inside, sat them down before a fireplace and served them according to the traditions of the fourth meal. Once the rabbis were warmed by his fire, they turned to the Rosh Yeshiva. He was to speak for them.
But before he could begin, the holy man opened his mouth and said, “Do not worry. The Yeshiva will be fine.”
He stared at the Rosh Yeshiva. His eyes were deep blue pools of mercy. The Rosh Yeshiva could not hold his gaze.
“Rabbi,” the Rosh Yeshiva began, “I see that you know our problem. But what we have come to ask is what we should do? How can we save the yeshiva?”
The holy man inhaled a long thoughtful breath. Stroking his beard, he nodded, looking into each of the faces of the Rabbis. His simple demeanor and patience struck the visitors with wonder and fear.
“I will tell you a secret,” he said, closing his eyes and pausing. “One of you . . . is the Messiah.”
“I will tell you a secret,” he said, closing his eyes and pausing. “One of you . . . is the Messiah.”