“Still Small Voice” – Kings 19:12

You are here:
< Back

Dear Rabbi Simon,
In 1 Kings 19:12, the prophet Elijah perceived the Divine Presence as a “still, small voice.” What does such a voice sound like?
Kind regards
Eli

Hi Eli
Quite hard to know, isn’t it? As Maimonides teaches, these prophetic accounts use metaphorical language to describe experiences which are in fact beyond our sensory perception. Yet from the context, the intent of the prophet is clear enough, even if we cannot identify exactly what the “still small voice” sounds like. G-d is the calm voice within, not the earth-shaking tumult without. I don’t think you can reproduce it in a recording studio.
Best wishes
Rabbi Rashi Simon

Previous Yitzchak’s Delicacies
Next Dinah and Shechem: Blaming the Victim?
Questions & Answers
this week

Questions and Answers

Ask the Rabbi: Quinoa on Pesach
Dear Rabbi Simon,
Where do you stand on quinoa (and the kitniyot ban) for Pesach?
Many thanks,
Tzippy
***
Dear Tzippy,
In line with other American authorities, I am in favour of quinoa. Although I reject completely the voices (mostly from Israel) seeking to abolish the ban on kitniyot entirely, IMO we do not need to include in the prohibition pseudo-grains that were unknown in the Old World until modern times. Best to buy with a Pesach hechsher though, to be free of any possible wheat contamination.
Rabbi Rashi Simon
Events / Calendar