Elijah's Cup of Hope: Healing Through the Jewish Storytelling Tradition

Abstract

The concept of hope is the subject of current scientific research, due to its anecdotal ability to promote psychological and physical well-being. In this essay, I explore the role of hope and the means by which stories and storytelling can inspire or restore it, through the lens of Jewish storytelling. As a people with a long, tragic history, the Jews have developed what might be termed an “archive” of hope. One of its most prominent figures is the Biblical prophet Elijah, who is believed to promote physical and/or spiritual and emotional healing. In Jewish folklore, Elijah is transformed into the Master of Miracles. Throughout history, he has become the most beloved of folklore heroes, playing the roles of mediator, matchmaker, opener of possibilities, rescuer, teacher or fairy godfather, all of which serves to restore hope.