Article December 19, 2005 Issue

ELISABETH'S story

BY PATRICIA KADICK

Elisabeth, like many characters in the Holy Bible, is mentioned in the context of a larger story. She appears only in Luke's Gospel and as a descendant of the priestly line of Aaron, the wife of Zacharias, the mother of John, and kin to Mary the mother of Jesus. Those few details compel Patricia Kadick, a "teller of tales from Scripture," to look for the woman—to imagine Elisabeth's grace and calm, hear her laughter, and explore her innate love for the Divine. So as you read, picture Elisabeth, long flowing hair, its gray streaks sparkling, blending with the shimmering threads of her handwoven robe. And then imagine her surrounded by village children pleading, "Tell the story one more time."

So Elisabeth begins . . .

Oh, what a day that was! My dear Zacharias had been in the temple—he was a priest, you know, of the tribe that began with Aaron, Moses' brother, and that night he looked all lit up from the inside, as if he might burst open. With joy. With pride.

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