A major fire broke out in Lizhensk, Poland, as large-scale preparations were underway for the annual yahrtzeit of Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk on 21 Adar. The blaze completely destroyed the well-known hachnosas orchim tent that serves thousands of visitors each year, though, remarkably, one pot of kugel was left untouched.

The fire erupted in one of the massive tents erected at the site, which operates year-round to accommodate the steady stream of visitors to the tziyun and houses valuable heating equipment, air conditioning units, and lighting systems. The structure was a central hub for the hachnasas orchim efforts that intensify ahead of the annual hilula, when tens of thousands are expected to arrive.

Local police have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are examining all possible factors. At this stage, authorities believe the blaze was likely the result of a technical malfunction.

Despite the heavy financial losses and the urgent need to replace the destroyed equipment in time for the influx of visitors, the leadership of Hachnosas Orchim Lizhensk, headed by the devoted askan and baal chesed Rabbi Simcha Krakowski, said they remain undeterred.

“We are emissaries of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech, and Klal Yisroel will arrive again this year and merit to accomplish salvations with expanded hearts and minds,” organizers said.

One witness described the dramatic scene: “The flames took hold of the tent. The fire climbed, spread, and consumed everything. People stood there stunned — everything burned, the tent, the tables, the utensils. Everything turned to smoke.”

“But when the smoke cleared, one thing remained,” he recounted. “The kugel was left whole, standing there, steaming. As if the fire had never touched it.”

He added, recalling a remark once made by the Lelover Rebbe during a visit to the Lizhensk kitchen: “In the kitchen, the greatest salvations are achieved.” And, he noted, “that holy kugel was not touched by the flames.”

{Matzav.com}