Editing Elijah (section)

=== Rabbi Joshua ben Levi ===
References to Elijah in Jewish folklore range from short observations (e.g., it is said that when dogs are happy for no reason, it is because Elijah is nearby)<ref>Bialik, H. N. and [[Yehoshua Hana Rawnitzki|Y. H Ravnitzky]]. eds. ''The Book of Legends: Sefer Ha-Aggadah.'' New York: Schocken Books, 1992. pp. 756, 782, 805.</ref> to lengthy parables on the nature of God's justice.

One such story is that of Rabbi [[Joshua ben Levi]]. The rabbi, a friend of Elijah's, was asked what favor he might wish. The rabbi answered only that he could join Elijah in his wanderings. Elijah granted his wish only if he refrained from asking questions about the prophet's actions. He agreed, and they began their journey. The first place they came to was the house of an elderly couple who were so poor they had only one old cow. The old couple gave their hospitality as best they could. The following day, as the travelers left, Elijah prayed that the old cow would die, and it did. The second place they came to was the home of a wealthy man. He had no patience for his visitors and chased them away with the admonition that they should get jobs and not beg from honest people. As they left, they passed the man's wall and saw it crumbling. Elijah prayed that the wall be repaired, and it was so. Next, they came to a wealthy synagogue. They were allowed to spend the night with only the smallest of provisions. Elijah prayed that every synagogue member might become a leader when they left.

Finally, they came to a very poor synagogue. Here, they were treated with great courtesy and hospitality. Elijah prayed that God might give them a wise leader when they left. At this, Rabbi Joshua could no longer hold back. He demanded Elijah's explanation of his actions. At the old couple's house, Elijah knew the Angel of Death was coming for the older woman. So he prayed that God might have the angel take the cow instead. A great treasure was hidden in the crumbling wall at the wealthy man's house. Elijah prayed that the wall be restored, thus keeping the treasure away from the miser. The story ends with a moral: A synagogue with many leaders will be ruined by many arguments. A town with a single wise leader will be guided to success and prosperity. "Know then, that if thou seest an evil-doer prosper, it is not always unto his advantage, and if a righteous man suffers need and distress, think not God is unjust."<ref>Ginzberg, Lewis. ''Legends of the Bible.'' Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1956. p. 599.</ref>