Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk: The Life, Teachings, and Enduring Legacy of a Chassidic Master

Rabbi Elimelech Weisblum of Lizhensk was a Chassidic Rebbe and spiritual leader of the third generation of the Chassidic movement. He is considered one of the greatest figures who established Chassidut in Poland, to the extent that in the book Maor VaShemesh he is compared to the holy Baal Shem Tov.

Rabbi Elimelech was born in Tiktin. His older brother was Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli, and together they were known as “the holy brothers.”

The Book Noam Elimelech and His Spiritual Legacy

Rabbi Elimelech’s work Noam Elimelech was among the earliest Chassidic books. It contains the central principles of his spiritual path and teachings, compiled by his son Elazar and arranged according to the weekly Torah portions. The Torah insights were delivered by Rabbi Elimelech on Shabbat and written down by his son. After reviewing them with his father and receiving his blessing, he was instructed not to publish the book until after Rabbi Elimelech’s passing.

The book became a cornerstone of the Chassidic tradition, and many continue to study it every Shabbat. Leading rabbis of the community offered glowing endorsements, praising both the author and his work.

His Final Blessings to His Disciples

When Rabbi Elimelech’s time to leave this world approached, he placed his hands on the heads of his students and transmitted spiritual strength to four of his closest disciples. To the Seer of Lublin he granted the spiritual power of the light of his eyes and asked him to educate his nephew, Tzvi Elimelech Shapira of Dinov. To the Maggid of Kozhnitz he gave the spiritual strength of his heart. To Rabbi Mendel of Rimanov he gave the spiritual force of the mind, and to Rabbi of Apta he granted the power of his speech.

Rabbi Elimelech passed away on the twenty first of Adar in the year 5547 in Lizhensk, where he served as rabbi. His gravesite became a major pilgrimage destination. He taught that whoever would visit his grave after his passing would not leave this world without repentance. The author of Tiferet Shlomo of Radomsk said that on this day Rabbi Elimelech stands with outstretched hands, blessing those who pour out their hearts at his resting place and study from his holy writings.

The “Tzetel Katan”: Practical Guidance for Daily Growth

In addition to Noam Elimelech, Rabbi Elimelech wrote a small work in Yiddish known as the “Tzetel Katan,” a brief guide containing practical instructions for daily spiritual conduct.

Among its teachings:

When a person is free from Torah study, especially when sitting alone or unable to sleep, they should contemplate the commandment of sanctifying God’s Name and imagine themselves overcoming their nature for the sake of holiness. Such positive intention is considered by Heaven as if it were action.

During the first verse of Shema and the first blessing of the Amidah, one should reflect deeply on devotion to God, even imagining remaining faithful under great trial. Through this focused intention, one fulfills the mitzvah of prayer properly.

Rabbi Elimelech also emphasized that a person was created to refine and overcome their natural tendencies. For example, someone inclined toward stubbornness should practice the opposite behavior for forty consecutive days. A naturally lazy person should train themselves to act with diligence, from rising in the morning to preparing for prayer. Someone who is excessively shy should pray aloud for forty days to overcome unhealthy shame, while one who struggles with clear speech should listen carefully to their own words to develop awareness. Habit, he taught, ultimately becomes mastery.

The Prayer of Rabbi Elimelech

Rabbi Elimelech also composed a special prayer intended as preparation for the morning service, widely known as “The Prayer of Rabbi Elimelech.” One well known passage reads: “Grant that we see the virtues of our friends and not their shortcomings, that each of us speak to the other in the upright and pleasing way before You. Let no hatred arise between us, and strengthen our bond in love toward You, as it is revealed and known before You, so that everything may bring You satisfaction.”

Many believe this prayer opens heavenly gates and helps one’s prayers be accepted, and it is recited daily by numerous communities before prayer.

On the day of the commemoration of the date of his passing, thousands of worshippers travel to Lizhensk in Poland to pray at the grave of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. His merit, they believe, continues to protect and inspire those who seek spiritual elevation and closeness to God.