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Elijah is a biblical prophet who is said never to have died.
There are therefore many legends associated with Elijah. He wanders the earth,
disguised as a beggar, and bestows riches on families who are charitable to who
him. In the Talmud, unresolved arguments will be resolved when Elijah comes. He
will herald the coming of the messiah. In Jewish ritual, Elijah is a liminal
figure, arriving at moments of danger and transition – at a brit milah, a chair
is put out for him, a cup is poured for Elijah at the Passover seder, and he is
invoked at havdalah, a transitional moment between Shabbat and the week.
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