Behind the scenes of the revival of his holy resting place
The Founding
The Pele Yoetz Heritage Foundation was established to preserve, honor and pass down for generations the legacy of the wondrous tzaddik, Rabbi Eliezer Papo zt"l — author of the "Pele Yoetz." His illuminating teachings and many works have accompanied the Jewish people for generations, an inexhaustible source of faith, ethics, awe of Heaven and guidance for life.
For many years the holy site in Silistra, Bulgaria stood neglected and without basic conditions. The grave itself had almost no proper shelter from the harsh winter cold or the summer sun, and there was no suitable infrastructure, no orderly space to receive the public, and no mikveh for those wishing to immerse before ascending to the site.
Some time ago, Rabbi Chaim Ravad of Jerusalem felt he could no longer accept the situation. Together with a group of friends who had visited the site for years, he took upon himself the great task: to raise the needed resources, restore the place and rebuild the complex in great splendor. Since then, the Foundation's members work with great devotion, traveling many times a year and closely overseeing the works.
The Revival Already Underway
In the past year the site has changed beyond recognition. Construction and restoration are in full swing. The mikveh was restored with great beauty and uncompromising adherence to the highest standards of kashrus, in consultation with leading poskim and mikveh experts — among them Rabbi Brandsdorfer and Rabbi Fishhof.
The grave area was enclosed by a tent giving visitors shelter from heat and cold, and a new building was placed for hospitality and separate facilities. Visitors on cold days can now find refuge in the hall, warm up and quench their thirst. After years of neglect, the place is beginning to receive the honor it deserves.
The Vision
A large-scale plan is currently being advanced before the Silistra municipality, to establish a spacious, magnificent and modern complex that will worthily receive the multitudes of Jews who come to pray at our Rabbi's holy resting place.
Realizing the Vision
Realizing this vision requires great resources. Alongside construction and development, the Foundation must fund ongoing electricity and water, hospitality, catering, security, cleaning and maintenance. This is a historic effort, transforming the site in the distant town into a living, vibrant center of prayer, Torah and kindness — and a rare opportunity to partner in restoring the honor of Torah and building a fitting home for the tzaddik.
Fortunate is one who merits to take part in this holy endeavor — to help build the site and preserve the legacy of the Pele Yoetz, so it may stand and shine for the Jewish people for many years to come.