Becoming Elijah

“The author’s erudite prose and masterful command of history and faith traditions bring his subject to vibrant life. This is an edifying and accessible chronicle of a towering religious figure.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An excellent look at how the portrayal of Elijah has changed over time.”—Rabbi Rachel Esserman, The Reporter

“A highly recommended read.”—Yaakov (Jack) Bieler, Jewish Book Council

“A lucidly written religious biography/history that will appeal to readers of all faith traditions.”—Kirkus Reviews

Winner of the Rabbi Sacks Book Award, sponsored by Yeshiva University


“In a series on Jewish Lives, this volume is about the Jewish life—the one that goes on forever. Becoming Elijah blends meticulous scholarship with bold literary and poetic imagination. Don’t miss it!”—Arthur Green, author of Judaism for the World

“Becoming Elijah is a work of rare intellectual and spiritual depth. With erudition, Daniel Matt captures the unique role Elijah has played in the Western religious imagination and demonstrates how this prophet continues to inspire millions of spiritual seekers today!”—David Ellenson, Brandeis University

“A jewel of scholarship and poetic imagination, this lucid and beautifully crafted book highlights the tensions in Elijah’s personality as it evolves from the biblical narratives through to its final, Hasidic reconfiguration.”—Avivah Zornberg, author of Moses