Yisroel Hopsztajn

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Rabbi Yisroel Hopsztajn (1737-1814) was a chasidic leader in Poland also known as the Maggid of Kozhnitz. Rabbi Hopsztajn worked for a period of time with the Magid of Mezritsh. He was one of the major influences in bringing chasidus to Congress Poland, and was the founder of chasidic dynasty of Kozhnits. He was born in Apt, where his father Shabsay was a bookbinder. He was named for the founder of chasidus, Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov.

Among his many works are Avodat Yisrael, one of the classical works of chasidus, and a commentary on Avot.

[edit] References

Kaplan, Aryeh (1984). The Chasidic Masters and Their Teachings. Moznaim: Jerusalem.