Today, on the 21st of Adar, is the Yahrtzeit of Reb Elimelech Weisblum ZTL, also known as Reb Meilich of Lizhensk, a great leader in the early Chassidic movement. Born in 1717, Reb Meilich was known for his wisdom, piety, and torah that resonate through generations of Yidden. A devoted talmid of the Maggid of Mezritch, himself a prominent talmid of the Baal Shem Tov, Reb Meilich delved deep into Kabbalah and spirituality under his Rebbi’s guidance, laying the groundwork for his future leadership.

Renowned for his humility and compassion, Reb Meilich became the Rebbe, with talmidim including notable Rabbonim like the Chozeh of Lublin, the Apter Rav, Rav Menachem Mendel of Riminov, and the Koznitzer Maggid. Together, they established Chassidic communities across Eastern Europe, advocating devotion to Hashem and Yiddishkeit.

Reb Meilich’s Torah was compiled into a Sefer called the Noam Elimelech. On his yahrzeit, let us reflect on Reb Meilich’s teachings and endeavor to embody his character of love, kindness, and dedication to Hashem. May his have a Aliyah.