Dov Baer

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…

Rabbi Dov Baer of Mezhirich, who succeeded Baʿal Shem Ṭov as leader of the Ḥasidic movement in the 18th century, is known as the Great Maggid.