ELIJAH’S TEARS: STORIES FOR THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS is written by Sydelle Pearl and illustrated by Rossitza Skortcheva.

ELIJAH’S TEARS contains five original stories linked to different Jewish holidays that feature the prophet Elijah who magically appears to help people in need. The holidays include Yom Kippur, Shabbat, Succot, Passover and Hanukkah. Third Printing. Published by Pelican Publishing Company, 2004.

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Preface to the book:

“ In the Bible, the prophet Elijah suddenly appears in the Book of 1 Kings. He is called Elijah the Tishbite, from Gilead. We don’t know anything about his family life—who his parents were, what sort of childhood he had, whether or not he had brothers or sisters, or whether or not he married and had children. We do know that, as a prophet, Elijah is in communication with God. He conveys God’s will to the people and challenges those who claim not to believe in God’s miraculous powers.

Elijah does not die but is taken up to Heaven in a fiery chariot. He is believed to travel between the worlds of Heaven and Earth. This is thought to be a reason why he reappears in Jewish folklore again and again, usually in disguise and just in time to help someone in great distress. He is known to reward the kind and pious. Sometimes the people who are helped by Elijah do not realize it is him until he has mysteriously gone.

In Jewish tradition, Elijah is welcomed into people’s homes on the seder night of Pesach, or Passover. The door is opened and a cup of wine is left for him. Elijah is thought to be present at the circumcision ceremony of each Jewish male child. He is believed to be the one who will announce the coming of the Messiah, the great redeemer of suffering for the Jewish people and, some believe, for the world. His name is mentioned in blessings and prayers, especially the song “Eliahu Ha-Novi”, which means “Elijah the Prophet” in Hebrew.

The stories in this book are associated with Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, and different holidays, including Yom Kippur, Succot, Hanukkah, and Pesach. I have taken the liberty of creating Elijah’s family in “Elijah’s Tears” as well as Elijah’s sister in “Eliora’s Gifts”. She shares the magical powers of her brother.

Stories about the prophet Elijah abound in Jewish folk literature. He is shrouded in magic and mystery. Some people believe that they have met or will meet Elijah during their lifetime.

Perhaps you’ve seen him?”