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The ascension of the prophet Elijah, according to the biblical account, took place in the 9th century BC. The story described in the Second Book of Kings tells of Elijah's ascension to heaven on a fiery chariot drawn by fiery horses. During the chariot ride towards heaven, sometimes depicted in iconography as a rainbow ride, Elijah lost his cloak. It was caught by Elijah's disciple Elisha, who was thus anointed as the prophet's successor.

In Jewish tradition, Elijah's return from heaven is awaited before the coming of the Messiah and the Messianic times - times of peace, brotherhood and a world devoid of evil. During Passover, the festival of freedom celebrated to commemorate the Jews' exodus from Egyptian slavery, the most beautiful chalice filled with wine, destined for the prophet Elijah, is placed on the table. It is not to be picked up or used for drinking, and after the seder, the wine from it is poured back into the bottle - it will be so until Elijah returns. In addition, the door to the house should remain open in anticipation of the prophet and the times he foretells. JO