Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk – The Noam Elimelech
Father of the Tzaddikim and Founder of the Tzaddik Institution | 1717–1787
Introduction
Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk is one of the founding fathers and central shapers of the Chassidus movement. He established the institution of the Chassidic Tzaddik – the idea that the Tzaddik serves as a channel between the Holy One, Blessed be He, and the people. His book "Noam Elimelech" is considered one of the foundational texts of Chassidus.
His Life and Deeds
Birth and Family
Rabbi Elimelech was born in 1717 to Rabbi Eliezer and Mindel. His older brother was the famous Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli, and the two were deeply connected throughout their lives.
The Period of Wandering
Rabbi Elimelech and his brother Rabbi Zusha undertook together a "Galut" – prolonged wanderings throughout Poland in order to experience suffering, atone for the sins of the Jewish people, and draw hearts closer. These wanderings shaped their personalities and their path in serving the Creator.
Leadership in Lizhensk
After the passing of his Rebbe, the Great Maggid of Mezeritch (disciple of the Baal Shem Tov), Rabbi Elimelech settled in the town of Lizhensk in Galicia (today in Poland), which under his leadership became the greatest center of Chassidus of his generation.
His Passing
Rabbi Elimelech passed away on the 21st of Adar 1787. His grave in Lizhensk remains to this day a pilgrimage site for thousands of Jews, especially on his Hilula on the 21st of Adar.
His Core Teachings and the "Noam Elimelech"
His book "Noam Elimelech" is organized according to the weekly Parasha and includes the famous "Tzetl Katan" – a guide for spiritual conduct.
The Teaching of the Tzaddik
- The Tzaddik as a channel – connecting between G-d and the people
- Drawing down abundance – "Banim, Chayim u'Mezonot" (children, life and livelihood) for his Chassidim
- Elevating souls – the Chassidim support the Tzaddik and he elevates their spiritual service to holiness
Rabbi Elimelech's Prayer Before Davening
"On the contrary, place in our hearts that we should see the virtues of our fellow and not their faults, and that no person should be despised in our eyes in any way or in any manner in the world..."
His Legacy for Generations
Rabbi Elimelech influenced generations of Admorim in Poland and Galicia. His famous disciples include Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua of Apt ("The Ohev Yisrael"), Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, and Rabbi Klonimus of Krakow. His book "Noam Elimelech" is studied in every Chassidic home and his teachings continue to warm hearts to this day.