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Jews flock to Leżajsk, south-eastern Poland

PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk 19.03.2017 09:00
Sunday is the last day, and the culmination, of commemorations in Leżajsk, south-eastern Poland, of the 230th anniversary of the death of Tzadik Elimelech Weissblum.
Jews gather in Leżajsk. Photo: PAP/Darek DelmanowiczJews gather in Leżajsk. Photo: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz

The first groups of Hasidic Jews from Europe, the United States, Canada and Israel started to arrive at the site on Friday and since then several thousand have participated in prayers recited at the Tzadik’s tomb (the “ohel”), believing that on the anniversary of his death he descends from heaven to earth to collect requests to God from Jews.

People usually ask for good health, blessings for their children and prosperity in business.

All requests are written down on small pieces of paper, which are placed on the Tzadik’s grave. The prayers held at the tombside are accompanied by traditional dances and the singing of psalms.

Leżajsk and Tzadik Elimelech’s tomb is for Hasidim one of the most sacred places worldwide.

Before World War II, Leżajsk, with its sizeable Jewish community, was one of the most important centres of the Hasidic movement. The tradition of visiting Tzadik Elimelech’s tomb was revived in the 1970s. (mk/pk)

tags: religion
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