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The grave of Rabbi Eliezer Papo is one of the most revered Jewish sites in Bulgaria. It a major pilgrimage site, attracting some 2000 international visitors every year. Eliezer Papo is celebrated as the protector of the city of Silistra and as a patron of local soldiers. The Rabbi played a major role in saving the city from the Cholera epidemic that devastated the region during the war between Russia and the Ottoman state. He convinced the mayor to enforce a quarantine and cared for the sick himself. Rabbi Papo was infected and succumbed to the deadly decease. As a sigh of their gratitude, the citizens of Silistra build a magnificent tomb from black marble.

Rabbi Eliezer Papo (1785–1828) was the rabbi of the jewish community of Silistra in early 18th century. Born in Sarajevo, he graduated as a theologian in Buchurest before moving to Silistra. He established schools and a hospital and served the Jewish religious community in the city. Eliezer Papo is a major exponent of the Sephardic musar tradition. His most famous work is Pele Yoetz, an ethical treatise which gives advice on how to behave as a Jew in many aspects of life. Eliezer Papo was also trained as a physician and treated all who would come to him irrespective of their ethnicity or religion. During his lifetime, Eliezer Papo was the leading medical authority in the region. Because of his influence on the mayor of Silistra, the city was not affected by the great Cholera epidemic of 1827. The Rabbi supervised the establishment of infirmaries for the sick outside of the city and of a quarantine perimeter. He himself was infected and met an early demise at the age of 43. His legacy lives on as he is counted among the 12 most revered Rabbis.

Legend ascribes to Eliezer Papo the saying that whoever comes to his grave with a heavy heart, sick or suffering, will soon find an answer to his prayers. People of all nationalities come to the tomb of the holy man to ask for his intercession in front of God. There is a peculiar ritual - before committing to prayer, pilgrims bathe either in the Danube river or in a bath of water gathered from the rains and the melting snow. It is believed praying in large groups at this place is amplified.

The grave of Rabbi Eliezer Papo is one of the most revered Jewish sites in Bulgaria. It a focus of pilgrimage by observant Jews, some of whom come all the way from Israel, from North America and from Latin America for the visit. During Passover celebrations, hundreds of gather around the grave to pay homage to the holy man and pray. Worshipers believe that on this sanctified ground they are closer to God.

- Direct visit - Virtual visit - See the photo galleries in the media resources section. Classroom activity - Let’s Know Our Community” from the Teachers’ guide - https://bit.ly/2DsRWEe