Remembering Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk: His Legacy and a Blessing for Easy Birth

This upcoming Friday marks the 239th yahrzeit of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, on the 21st of Adar. In honor of this commemoration, here are 10 intriguing facts you might not know.

1. Rabbi Elimelech Weisblum of Lizhensk was a prominent Hasidic leader in the third generation of Hasidism. He played a vital role in establishing Hasidism in Poland, and in the book "Maor VaShemesh," he is compared to the holy Baal Shem Tov.

2. From childhood, he was dedicated to studying both revealed and hidden Torah. Along with his brother, R' Zushya, he went into an 8-year exile, traveling between villages and towns, enduring hardships, after which they reached a state of divine insight.

3. His book "Noam Elimelech" was one of the first Hasidic texts, containing his main teachings. It was compiled by his son Elazar and organized by the weekly Torah portions. Rabbi Elimelech delivered these teachings on Shabbat, and his son documented them with his blessing, publishing the book posthumously.

This book is a treasured asset in the Hasidic movement, with many studying it every Shabbat. The endorsements it received from leading rabbis highlighted its profound impact.

4. The book is associated with many blessings. One well-known and effective blessing for an easy birth involves placing the book under the mother's pillow during labor. It is also said that eating anything on the evening after Shabbat while stating that it's for the mitzvah of the Melaveh Malka meal is a blessing for a smooth delivery with Hashem's help (Kaf HaChaim, Siman 300:4, and Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in "Yabia Omer," Part 10, Siman 33).

Rabbi Menachem Weis shares a special talk about the "Noam Elimelech" - Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. Watch:

5. In addition to "Noam Elimelech," he composed a short booklet in Yiddish called "Tzetel Katan," offering daily guidance in several paragraphs. Here is a passage from it, printed at the back of the prayer book "Beit Tefillah" and others:

a. Whenever you have a free moment from learning Torah, especially when alone in your room or unable to sleep, meditate on sanctifying Hashem's name among the people of Israel, imagining a burning fire towering to the heavens, and for the sanctity of Hashem, overcome your nature and immerse yourself in this figurative fire. This good thought counts as action in heaven.

b. In the first verse of "Shema" and the first blessing of the Amidah, reflect on this, even if persecuted by all nations, and imagine enduring hardships without denying Hashem's unity. Picture this in your mind, fulfilling the duty of "Shema" and prayer.

The 40-Day Blessing

c. Man was created to overcome his nature. Therefore, exert yourself to improve your character, starting at age eighteen. For example, if prone to stubbornness, practice the opposite behavior for forty days. Similarly, if naturally lazy, practice liveliness in everyday tasks for forty consecutive days, such as getting dressed, washing hands, and praying promptly after waking. If shy, practice praying aloud for forty days until the heavens help you cast away harmful shyness.

6. Rabbi Elimelech composed a prayer known as "Tefillat Rabbeinu Elimelech" to be recited as preparation for morning prayers. An excerpt from the prayer is: "Indeed, instill in our hearts to see the merit in others and not their faults, and to speak in a manner that is pleasing to You. Let no jealousy arise, and strengthen our bond of love toward You."

This prayer is said to open the gates of heaven, and many recite it daily before praying.

7. Some of his notable students include: The Ohev Yisrael of Apta, R' Aharon Leib of Premishlan, R' Eliezer Horowitz, the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, R' Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, R' Moshe Yehuda Leib of Sassov, and the author of "Maor VaShemesh."

8. When it was time for Rabbi Elimelech to depart this world, he placed his hands on the heads of his closest disciples and passed on his spiritual strengths: to the Chozeh of Lublin, he entrusted his spiritual insight for 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 strength of his soul in his mind, and to Rabbi of Apta, he gave the strength through his words.

9. During World War II, the Nazis destroyed the tomb on his grave and discovered his coffin intact. Upon opening it, they were shocked to see his body preserved as if just buried. After the war, a new tomb was built on the original site.

10. Rabbi Elimelech passed away on the 21st of Adar in the year 1787, in his city of Rabbi's office, Lizhensk. His grave has become a pilgrimage site, and he promised that anyone who visits his grave after his passing will not leave this world without repentance. The "Tiferet Shlomo" of Radomsk said Rabbi Elimelech stands with outstretched arms on this day, blessing all who visit and recite his sacred works.

Rabbi Yigal Cohen explains Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk's teachings on what opens the gates of prosperity and what closes them. Watch:

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