Some two hundred years ago, there lived a great and holy soul, the Rebbe R’ Elimelech of Lizhensk – renowned master of Chassidus, and leader of his generation. Rebbe Elimelech succeeded his teacher, R’ Dov Ber, the famed Maggid of Mezheritch, zy”a, successor of the founder of Chassidus, the holy Baal Shem Tov, zy”a.

Two hundred years since his passing, the mere mention of the name of the great Rabbi, Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk, still fills Jews with a sense of awe. They study his epochal work, the Sefer Noam Elimelech; speak of his role as one of the leading figures in the history of Chassidus; and tell wondrous stories of his greatness and the miracles he wrought.

Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk was born to his parents, Rabbi Eliezer Lipman and Mirish Weisblum, in 1717. His greatness was already evident in his youth. Together with his brother, Rabbi Meshulam Zushe of Anipoli, he plumbed the depths of Torah, learning Kabbalah and the works of the Ari Hakadosh. The brothers grew in their greatness, and went into self-imposed exile together, spreading Chassidus, teaching Torah, and inspiring people to mend their ways. Chassidic lore includes countless tales of the brothers’ self-sacrifice and achievements.

His Students and Successors

Before his passing, the Rebbe R’ Elimelech named his successors – his students, the Chozeh of Lublin, the Maggid of Kozhnitz, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov, Rabbi Naftoli Tzvi of Ropshitz, and the Meor Vashemesh – all giants of spirit, with depths of greatness that remain unfathomable to this day.

Through his students, chassidus branched out, reaching Jews at every level, and bringing the light and joy of Torah, and the love and fear of Heaven, to new heights.  

 His Descendents – and His Legacy

“I pray that my descendents live in poverty.”

The Rebbe R’ Elimelech had three sons - Rabbi Elazar of Lizhensk, Rabbi Lipa Eliezer of Chemelnick, and Rabbi Yaakov of Maglanitza; and two daughters,  Esther Ettel and Mirish. All were great souls, who followed their father’s ways, and lived exalted, holy lives.

The Rebbe R’ Elimelech prayed that his descendents live in poverty until the times before Moshiach’s arrival, so that they would never be faced with the tests of riches. To offset this astounding bequest, the rebbe asked that Jews in every generation help his descendents financially. And then he made a promise that only someone of his stature could make.

“I promise to intervene in Heaven, and bring salvation and blessing, to anyone who helps my descendents.”

That promise has been fulfilled, countless times.

 Descendents Today

The Rebbe R’ Elimelech prayed that his descendents live in poverty – and indeed, many of his descendents struggle financially, to this day.

The Lizhensk Coin supports a group of descendents who are in great need. Some have medical conditions; others have large families; others simply struggle to feed their children.

All of the people supported by sales of the Lizhensk Coin are known Torah scholars, who strive to emulate their great ancestor, through their piety, love of their fellow Jew, and love of the Almighty.

Each time you purchase the Lizhensk Coin, you earn the blessing of the Rebbe R’ Elimelech, and you do the multiple mitzvos of supporting the poor, helping the sick, and helping Torah scholars.