R. Elimelech of Lizensk

Learn about the life of Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk, whose powerful example set a template for inspired leadership that became standard in Chassidic courts throughout Poland and Galicia.

He went to shul on Shabbos, but the 'cholent' stew served at the end was his main reason.

The two brothers, the famed Rabbi Elimelech of Lizensk and Rabbi Zushe of Anipoli, often wandered about together, posing as simple beggars . . .

The great Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk (1717-1786) was one of the elite disciples of Rabbi DovBer, the Maggid of Mezritch, and a colleague of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. He is also widely known as the No'am Elimelech, the title of the renowned chassidic...

Disguised as simple beggars, the holy brothers journeyed from village to village, refining their souls with the travails of exile and inspiring their brethren with words of wisdom and encouragement...

One day, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov arrived in Tarnow. This was before the chassidic master had revealed himself to the world, and he appeared as a simple itinerant, but with a gift for telling stories . . .

“You lowly, despicable man!” thundered the Hungarian visitor. “What do you know! You obviously have no understanding of anything holy and spiritual!”

“Do not judge your fellow until you have reached his place.” But since a person can never really be in his fellow's place, why doesn't the Mishnah simply say, “don't judge your fellow”?

The Angel Michael harnessed the horse to the wagon of mitzvot, and the wagon driver cracked his whip. Suddenly the wagon gave a lurch forward, flattening the piles of sins that had been obstructing its way...

Head bowed and cheeks burning, overwhelmed by a sense of self-disgust, I accepted the verdict.