I heard it said once that, when a righteous person (tzaddik) passes away, they somehow leave their positive character traits in this world to be used by others.
Does anyone know the source for this concept? Does such a source exist?
-
1Hi user9727. Why do you think there is such a source? Please edit your question to clarify.– Double AA ♦Commented Jul 8, 2015 at 3:06
-
Welcome to Mi Yodeya. Consider taking this short tour of the site. For general help see here.– mevaqeshCommented Jul 8, 2015 at 3:12
-
3judaism.stackexchange.com/a/53312/759– Double AA ♦Commented Jul 8, 2015 at 5:02
-
@DoubleAA why dont you post that as an answer?– mevaqeshCommented Jul 8, 2015 at 5:04
-
@DoubleAA If you wont post it, if you dont mind, I will.– mevaqeshCommented Jul 8, 2015 at 23:21
|
Show 3 more comments
1 Answer
I hear this a lot in hespedim (eulogies) of gedolim. Rabbi Nissan Kaplan said this regarding Rav Elyashiv and also Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel.
The source I have often heard quoted for this idea is in Melachim II 2:9:
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.
