ADAPTED FROM HIS AUDIO SHIUR ON NACH—MALACHIM 2, LESSON 30
Eliyahu Hanavi’s Final Journey
The Torah tells us that on the day of his passing, Eliyahu Hanavi was accompanied by his closest disciple, his Talmid Muvhak, Elisha Hanavi. As they walked together, they arrived at the Jordan River, where Eliyahu told Elisha, “I must leave this world today. I must bid you farewell.” Elisha replied, “I want to follow you for as long as I possibly can, as long as I can see you.” They continued together.
Eliyahu Hanavi, known for the special cape he wore, removed it, rolled it up, and struck the waters of the Yarden. Miraculously, the waters divided, just as the Red Sea had for Moshe Rabbeinu. They both walked across on dry land. On the other side, in Ever HaYarden, Eliyahu was destined to depart—not die, but ascend—outside the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael.
Why Ever HaYarden?
Why did Eliyahu Hanavi need to cross the Jordan River to leave this world? Because Eliyahu was in fact Pinchas. It is known that Pinchas and Eliyahu Hanavi are one. The Zohar explains that Pinchas, who was granted eternal life for his zealous act in killing Zimri (Bamidbar 25), was elevated to such a spiritual level that he later returned to this world in the form of Eliyahu Hanavi (Zohar Pinchas 219b: “Pinchas hu Eliyahu” – “Pinchas is Eliyahu.”).
Pinchas, the nephew of Moshe Rabbeinu, remained his close disciple forever. This closeness would later manifest again when Eliyahu returns with Mashiach to resolve unanswered questions in the Torah.
The Gemara often concludes difficult sugyos with the word “Teiku,” which stands for “Tishbi Yetaretz Kushiyos U’Baayos“—Eliyahu Hanavi, the Tishbi, will answer these difficulties. As a student so deeply connected to Moshe Rabbeinu, it was fitting that he depart from the same place—Ever HaYarden.
A Final Request
Eliyahu Hanavi then turned to Elisha and gave him one final opportunity. “Ask, what do you wish that I do for you before I am taken from you?” Elisha’s request was bold and powerful: “Veyehi Na Pi Shnayim Beruchacha Elai“—”Let me have double of your spirit.”
Eliyahu responded, “You have made a very difficult request. How can a person give more than he possesses? Yet, if you will see me taken from you, then so be it. You will have it. If not, then you will not.”
Nadav and Avihu
Rabbeinu Z”L and the Arizal explain this profound exchange. How could Elisha request double the spiritual power of Eliyahu? The Arizal reveals that when Pinchas (who is Eliyahu) killed Zimri, he inherited the souls of Nadav and Avihu, the two sons of Aharon HaKohen.
These two tzaddikim died when they brought an eish zarah, a strange fire, to the Mishkan. Their korban was perfect, but they were not authorized to bring it, as they were unmarried—halachically only “half” a person. Together, their souls were one complete neshamah, which was then transferred to Pinchas.
So when Elisha asked for “Pi Shnayim“—a double portion—he was referring specifically to the two souls now within Eliyahu. The Arizal explains that “Na” in the pasuk (Veyehi Na Pi Shnayim) stands for Nadav and Avihu, and “Pi Shnayim” refers to the double spirit, Beruchacha Elai—let that spirit come to me now.
The Power of Connection
According to Rabbeinu Z”L, the key to Elisha’s success was not just in the request, but in the depth of his bond with his teacher. Eliyahu told him, “If you will see me taken from you“—meaning, if the moment of histalkus, of spiritual departure, is so real to you that it feels like a part of your very self is being taken—then you are truly connected. Then you are a vessel for my soul.
When a tzaddik passes, two souls—his earthly and heavenly aspects—unite and ascend. If a talmid is worthy, he can receive the he’ora, the divine illumination, from both. Elisha merited this; he received that Pi Shnayim, the spiritual inheritance of Nadav and Avihu within Eliyahu Hanavi.
Deaths of Nadav and Avihu
The Torah in Parshas Shemini recounts the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, seemingly in judgment, but in truth, as Krovai Hashem, holy tzaddikim who brought tremendous Kiddush Hashem. Their souls never faded. They were reborn in Eliyahu Hanavi and transferred to Elisha.
From this, we learn that no spiritual energy is ever lost. Holiness recycled through generations can reappear in unexpected ways—through fire, through storm, through the deepest spiritual bond between rebbe and talmid. That Pi Shnayim is alive within every Jew who connects deeply, serves with passion, and seeks Hashem with all their heart.
