Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk

A family of tzaddikim

Rebbe Elimelech was born in 1717 to Rabbi Eliezer Lipman and his wife Mirel, a pious family with six children. Most sources give his birthplace as Tykocin (Tiktin) in north-eastern Poland, though some name Tyczyn in Galicia. His older brother was the famous tzaddik Rebbe Meshulam Zusha of Anipoli, and the two brothers remained inseparable companions in avodas Hashem for much of their lives.

A beloved story preserved in Chabad tradition explains the family's merit: Mirel once lovingly cared for a sick beggar whom no one else would touch, and her kindness, it is told, brought the blessing of her holy sons. Elimelech grew into an outstanding Talmid Chacham, known from youth for his intense fear of Heaven, long fasts and rigorous self-discipline. He married Rebbetzin Sprintza, daughter of Rabbi Aharon Rokeach; after her passing he married Rebbetzin Gittel.

The years of exile with Reb Zusha

Chassidic tradition relates that the two brothers voluntarily 'went into galus' for several years, wandering from town to town in disguise as poor travelers. They accepted hardship, insults and hunger to atone for the exile of the Shechinah and to share the pain of Klal Yisroel. Along the way they quietly inspired simple Jews to do teshuvah.

Many of the best-loved maasios about the brothers come from these journeys – of inns where they were mistreated, of sinners who were moved by their gentle words, and of their constant joy despite poverty. These stories are tradition rather than documented history, but they faithfully express the humility for which both brothers were famous.

Disciple of the Maggid

Drawn to the new path of the Baal Shem Tov, the brothers became students of the Maggid of Mezritch, and Rebbe Elimelech was counted among the greatest members of that holy circle, alongside the Alter Rebbe, the Berditchever and others. The Alter Rebbe is reported to have said that Reb Elimelech was so humble that he would not object even if he were seated under the bench.

From the Maggid he absorbed a deep understanding of the role of the tzaddik as a channel of blessing for the people, a theme that would become central to his own teaching.

Rebbe in Lizhensk

After the Maggid's passing in 1772, Rebbe Elimelech emerged as the leading Chassidic master of Galicia and Poland, with his court in the town of Lizhensk (Leżajsk) on the San river. Thousands came to him for guidance, blessing and rebuke. He was known for teaching through stories in such a way that every listener felt the words were aimed at him alone.

His approach combined towering personal holiness with deep love for every Jew. He taught that a true tzaddik must constantly elevate himself, and also descend to the level of ordinary people to lift them up and bring down blessing for their children, health and livelihood. His court became the main source from which Chassidus spread throughout Poland.

His own avodah remained intense throughout his life. He was known for frequent fasts, constant self-examination and fear of Heaven, yet also for warmth and humor at home. A story preserved by Chabad tells that when he was once badly hurt by a nail, his Rebbetzin answered with a gentle joke, and he later remarked that her laughter had helped him heal. Practical guidance mattered to him as much as lofty ideas: his Tzetel Katan lays out simple daily habits – from the first words on waking to how to guard one's speech – so that even an ordinary Jew could build a life of holiness step by step.

His disciples

More than any of his contemporaries, Rebbe Elimelech was a builder of leaders. Among his students were the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, the Ohev Yisroel of Apt, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, the Maor VaShemesh and Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz. Through them, and through their own students, the dynasties of Poland and Galicia – among them Sanz, Belz, Ger, Bobov, Ropshitz and many more – trace their spiritual descent back to Lizhensk.

Tradition holds that before his passing he 'divided' his gifts among four of his greatest students, giving each a different aspect of his spiritual strength. In the popular telling, the Chozeh of Lublin received the power of his eyes, the Apter Rav the power of his speech, the Maggid of Kozhnitz the power of his heart, and Rabbi Mendel of Rimanov the power of his mind.

Passing and the Noam Elimelech

Rebbe Elimelech passed away in Lizhensk on 21 Adar 5547 (11 March 1787) and was buried there. His tombstone records the year with the phrase 'tav-nun-tzadi-bais-hei', whose numerical value equals the year 547.

Shortly after his passing his son Rabbi Elazar published his teachings as Noam Elimelech, arranged on the weekly parshiyos, together with the short practical guide known as Tzetel Katan and his 'Prayer before Prayer'. The sefer became one of the most widely studied and cherished works of Chassidus, and many Jews keep it in their homes as a source of blessing. His kever in Leżajsk is one of the most visited sites of Chassidic pilgrimage in Europe.