Elimelech Of LizhenskArticle Free Pass Elimelech Of Lizhensk,
(born 1717—died 1787, Lizhensk, Galicia), Jewish teacher and
author, one of the founders of Ḥasidism (a Jewish pietistic
movement) in Galicia. Elimelech was a disciple of Ṭov Baer, one
of the early Ḥasidic leaders, and after Baer’s death he settled
in Lizhensk, which subsequently became an important Ḥasidic
centre. Elimelech emphasized the importance of the leader
(zaddik, meaning “righteous one”), who, he believed, is mediator
between God and the people and possesses authority not only in
the spiritual sphere but in all areas of life. Although the
zaddik belongs to a higher world, he descends to the level of
the community to redeem it, and his capacity to sin is a
necessary part of his mission of transforming evil into good.
Elimelech’s ideas are set forth in his treatise Noʾam Elimelekh,
which was published after his death by his son Eleazar. What
made you want to look up "Elimelech Of Lizhensk"? Please share
what surprised you most...