1) The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni 944) records an episode that occurred immediately following the brutal murder of Rav Akiva. Eliyahu Hanavi came to bury Rav Akiva. As Eliyahu carried Rav Akiva’s body on his shoulders, Rav Yehoshua, one of Rav Akiva’s main disciples, wondered how this is permitted if in fact Eliyahu was a kohen (as was indicated previously in the Midrash). Eliyahu responded: “Rav Yehoshua, my son, heaven forbid for tumah does not exist when it comes to talmidei chachamim or their students.” Some poskim feel that the statement of Eliyahu can serve as a source to allow kohanim to visit the graves of tzadikim.
That he was a Kohen is based entirely on a midrash. On the other hand, the Bible straight out says he was from Gad. What's more, in one of his encounters in the Talmud he says he's from Gad. So why is that disregarded here?
ReplyDeleteIf I told you that Eliyahu hanavi appeared to me would you believe me?
ReplyDeleteI'd ask you if you'd forgotten to take your clozapine again.
Deletethat's why the midrashim need to be taken with a pinch of salt.
DeleteSometimes you need the whole shaker.
Delete