Celebrating the Legacy of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk

1. For Hasidim and people of action, the yahrzeit of Rabbi Elimelech is considered a significant day, akin to Yom Kippur, and no *tachanun* is recited.

2. Rabbi Elimelech authored the book *Noam Elimelech*, and the righteous one known as the *M'adenai Melech* wrote that those who study this book will merit good livelihood, and those who learn from it on *Shabbat* will attain abundant sustenance and even an extra soul. It is permissible to read from the book without full comprehension.

3. It is said of the *Admor* from Bila that he would not enter a home that did not have a copy of *Noam Elimelech*. This book is a remedy for protection, and even for complete healing. It is customary to place it under the pillow of a sick person, and, conversely, under the pillow of a woman giving birth, as a merit for an easy delivery.

4. The righteous one known as *Chelek Yehoshua* would hold a *tish* for his followers on the night of the 21st of Adar, passing around the book *Noam Elimelech*. Each person would read a bit and take advice and blessings for the entire year... (You can too. It’s recommended.)

5. There is a story about an elderly man over a hundred years old, who had grown weary of life due to old age. One of his relatives came to Rabbi Meir from Primishlan to ask for a blessing for him to die! This elderly man was not a believing Jew and had never repented in his life. When Rabbi Meir inquired, he discovered that when the man was younger, he was a wagon driver. One time he drove Hasidim to Lizhensk, and he entered the house of study of Rabbi Elimelech! Rabbi Meir told him: "You touched the hand of Rabbi Elimelech... you cannot die without repentance!" And indeed, he repented, confessed, and passed away.

6. During World War II, when the Germans destroyed Jewish cemeteries, they were unable to touch the grave of Rabbi Elimelech, as attested by one of the *Chassidim* from Gur.

7. On Wednesday night, or Thursday during the day, on this holy yahrzeit, it is recommended to light a candle in honor of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, to recite a chapter of *Tehillim*, to bring the sacred book *Noam Elimelech* into your home and to read a bit from it. It is advisable to mention the name "Lizhensk" and to recount the three famous stories. In addition, to pray the prayer composed by Rabbi Elimelech – the prayer is called "Tefillah Lifnei Tefillah" and appears in *Siddurim* of the *Ashkenaz* version.