Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk

Lizhensk - a town in southeastern Poland. During the Polish administration, Lizhensk belonged to Lanzut County. Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, known as the “Noam Elimelech," was born in 1717 and passed away in 1786. Based on the chronological order of chassidic history, Rebbe Elimelech belongs to the third generation of Chassidism, being a student of the Maggid of Mezritch - a student of the Baal Shem Tov (the founder of Chassidism). However, in addition, from a historical perspective, Rabbi Elimelech is considered to be the one who first brought the chasidic movement to Poland and spread it there, and many of his students became leaders and opened their own chasidic courts. For this reason, Rebbe Elimelech was called by many of the great tzadikim "the rebbe’s rebbe", or by his most famous nickname in the chasidic world: "Rebbe Reb Elimelech". Indeed, all the great chassidim in Poland and Galicia in the generation after him came from his study hall, among them: the “Chozeh" of Lublin, the “Maggid” of Kozienice, Rabbi Menachem Mendel from Rymanow and the "Ohev Yisrael" from Apta. Rabbi Elimelech and his brother Rabbi Zosha of Anipoli went on an "exile" of repentance together for twelve years. Many stories were spread about their experiences during the years of exile, during which they hid themselves and wandered through Polish cities disguised as peasants. In the year 5533 (1773), with the death of the Maggid of Mezritch, Rebbe Elimelech was crowned as his main successor and in his place, settled in Galicia. He established his seat in Lizhensk, which quickly became a spiritual center to which thousands flocked. In 5546 (1786), and some say 5547 (1787), he was buried in the place that he chose for himself. His grave is sacred and revered by Jews, and has attracted crowds throughout the generations, from his death until today. Chassidim tell about Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rymanow, one of Rebbe Elimelech's greatest students, who said that visiting Rebbe Elimelech's grave is a virtue for awakening oneself to repentance. When they asked the Rebbe, Rabbi Shlomo of Radomsk, known as the "Tiferet Shlomo", who used to travel to Lizhensk on the day of Rebbe Elimelech’s yahrzeit (anniversary of death) each year, what the reason for him making it a point to come and pray at the grave was, he replied and said: "Those who understand the purpose of going to the grave on the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, rather than the graves of other Tanaim (mishnaic sages), will also understand what the point is of me going to the grave of Rebbe Elimelech rather than to the graves of other tzaddikim (righteous people). Tzadikim who have passed away do not have a connection to this world, but Rabbi Elimelech stands to this day crowned with a tallit and tefillin and hears every request." Rabbi Elimelech's ohel (small building surrounding his grave) has become a global place of pilgrimage, prayer and ascension throughout the year, and in particular on the day of his yahrzeit (the anniversary of his death). Many feel that a special awakening to prayer is built in this place, and there is a tradition passed from generation to generation promising in Rebbe Elimelech’s name that anyone who visits his grave will not die without having the opportunity to repent. Many were privileged to see salvation in their lives, after pouring out their hearts at Rebbe Elimelech's ohel. Rebbe Elimelech’s book - the "Noam Elimelech" was one of the first chassidic books to be printed, and in it are thoughts on the weekly Torah portions said by Rebbe Elimelech on Shabbat and were written down by his son Rebbe Elazar, and they reflect the main points of his way of life. After he received a blessing form his father, Rebbe Elazar refrained from printing the book until after Rebbe Elimelech’s death, according to his instructions. The book immediately took its place and was accepted as one of the foundational books of the chasidic movement. In the approbations given to the book by the great rabbis of that generation, they praise the author and the book with unusual admiration. According to chassidim in previous generations, the book was nicknamed "The Book of the Righteous", as Rebbe Elimelech often referred in it to the ways of the righteous and their prayers, and even outlined a path for how they should act to work on salvation and inspire mercy. Many people place the book in the room of women giving birth, as well as at the head of a sick person’s bed, so that they will be protected and recover quickly. Rebbe Elimelech composed a special prayer intended as a preparation for the morning prayer, and it was published under the name “Prayer before Prayer” or “The Prayer of Rebbe Elimelech. Here is a short excerpt, the most famous part of the prayer: “Contrary to what is normal of us, grant in our hearts that we see the fullness of our brethren and not their deficiencies. And that every one of us should speak with their fellow in the straight and desired way before You. And may there not arise any hatred between one of us and his fellow, G-d forbid. And strengthen us in our love for You, as it is revealed and known to You. May everything be pleasing to Your Spirit.” Lizhensk during the Holocaust: In Elul 5699 - September 1939, Lizhensk was occupied by the Germans. As soon as they entered, they began kidnapping Jews for forced labour, setting fire to the synagogue, and confiscating Jewish property. First, the Germans encouraged the Jews to leave the town and cross the San River, which was set as a border between the territories of the German occupation and the territories of the Russian occupation. But those who did not leave Lizhensk were put into the ghetto, where other Jews from the surrounding villages were also brought. Later, the Germans took groups of Jews out of the ghetto to the Jewish cemetery, or to the nearby forest, where pits were dug, and the Jews were shot to death. The Lizhensk ghetto was liquidated on Elul 5702 - September 1942, and most of its inhabitants were sent to the Belzec extermination camp. After the Holocaust, Rabbi Yosef Fogel and Rabbi Yisrael Zellner, former residents of Lizhensk, testified that the Nazis, after occupying the town, ordered the local Jews to dig up the tzaddik's grave, because the Poles convinced the Germans that the Jews had buried their money and gold in the grave. Under the threat of the death penalty, the Jews were forced to dig up the grave, and then the holy righteous man was revealed to the eyes of all present, lying intact in his shrouds, and his appearance was like an angel of G-d, like a living man in his sleep. Great anxiety fell upon the wicked, and when they saw that indeed no silver or gold was found there, they ordered to immediately seal the grave and cover it as it was. They left the place without harming the Jews who were gathered there. The two above mentioned testifiers were present at the time of the act and had the privilege of witnessing the rare spectacle. May his merits will protect us and all of Israel, Amen.