Elimelech of Lizhensk (or Lezhinsk or Lijensk) (in Polish: Leżajsk) (1717-1786) was and Orthodox Judaism rabbi and one of the great Hassidic rebbes of the past. He was also known as a tzaddik ("righteous person" or "saint") who devoted his life to studying and teaching the Torah, as well as encouraging people to repent and return to God. He was an ascetic, who believed in staying away from alcohol. After the death of the Maggid of Mezeritch , he was the most prominent Hassid in the world.
He was born in Galicia, a region of southeast Poland, and died in Leżajsk, Poland. He is also known as Noam Elimelech, the title of his most popular work. This book is one of the principal works of Chassidut. The work itself has stars placed in random places over words. It is said that angels dance over these stars. As such, all subsequent printings have included these stars. His grave in Leszhinsk is visited by faithful until this day.
