Prayer for Rain by Elijah and by Honi the Circle-Maker. Two Ends of the same Concept in the Light of Lazar Gulkowitsch’ Ideas
Abstract
The article focuses on the special charisma of the prayer for rain in Judaism and its connection to the concept of Hasid exemplified by two stories that illustrate the charisma of praying for rain. In the centre of these stories stand Elijah and Honi the Circle-Maker, both possessing the gift of their prayers for rain being heard regardless of their way of praying. In the framework of Lazar Gulkowitsch’ (1898–1941) research on Hasidism and history of ideas these two characters, a prophet and a miracle-worker, can be seen in connection to prayer as two ends of the same concept, that of Hasid. The article follows Gulkowitsch’ elaboration of the special disposition of the attributes of the Hasid, its connection to prayer, miracles and attributes of Prophets.
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References
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