Lelov

Lelov (Yiddish: לעֶלוֹב‎) is a Polish-Israeli Hasidic dynastic court, which traces its origins to the town of Lelów, Poland where the court was established in 1815 by Rabbi Dovid Biderman (1746-1814).

The Lelover dynasty migrated from Poland to Jerusalem when Rabbi Dovid's son, Rabbi Moshe Biderman (1776-1851), moved there in the last year of his life. Rabbi Moshe Biderman of Lelov was the son-in-law of Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Rabinowicz, known as the Yid Hakudosh (Holy Jew) of Peshischa. Since then the Hasidism bore a Jerusalem character and has become part of the Old Yishuv. Today there are several descendants as Lelover Rebbes, in Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh and Brooklyn.

Tombstone of Reb Dovid of Lelov
The grave of Rabbi Dovid of Lelov today
Tombstone of Rabbi Moshe of Lelov
Tomb of Rabbi Moshe Mordechai on the Mount of Olives

History

Rabbi Dovid of Lelov was a disciple of the Seer of Lublin, a disciple of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, who was a disciple of the Magid of Mezritsh, the successor to and leading disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism.

There is a Hasidic legend that Napoleon Bonaparte asked Rabbi Dovid of Lelov if he would be successful in his conquest of Russia. The rebbe told the Emperor that he would not. After Napoleon's defeat, he allegedly passed through Lelov and told the Rebbe that he was indeed correct. He then gave the Rebbe his velvet cloak. The Hasidim say that Rabbi Moshe of Lelov, the son of Rabbi Dovid, took the cloak to Jerusalem with him, and made the cover for the Holy Ark in his synagogue from it.[1]

The early Lelover Rebbes (starting with Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Shlomo) were followers of the Karliner Rebbe; whenever the latter came to Land of Israel, the Lelover Rebbe would go to visit him.

Outline of Lelover dynasty
  • Grand Rabbi Dovid of Lelov (1746-1814)
    • Grand Rabbi Moshe Biderman of Lelov (1776-1851)
      • Grand Rabbi Eleazar Mendel Biderman of Lelov (1827-1882)
        • Grand Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Shlomo Biderman of Lelov (1844-1918)
          • Grand Rabbi Shimon Noson Nuta Biderman of Lelov (1870-1929)
            • Grand Rabbi Pinchos Chaim Biderman of Lelov
              • Grand Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Biderman of Lelov and Karlin (1903-1987).
                • Grand Rabbi Shimon Noson Nuta Biderman of Lelov (1931 - 2009).
                  • Grand Rabbi Avrohom Shlomo Biderman of Lelov-Jerusalem (Zephania Street) (1927-2000).
                    • Grand Rabbi Alter Elozor Menachem Biderman of Lelov in Bnei Brak (1935-2001).
                      • Grand Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Biderman of Lelov (current)

See also

References
  1. Parashas T'tzaveh 5755. Breslov.com
  • A Chassidic journey : the Polish Chassidic dynasties of Lublin, Lelov, Nikolsburg and Boston. Based on Shalsheles Boston by Meir Valach, translated by Eliezer Shore. New York : Feldheim, 2002 ISBN 978-1-58330-568-3
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