Yisroel Hopsztajn

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Rabbi Yisroel Hopsztajn (1737-1814), also known as the Magid of Kozhnitz, was a chasidic leader in Poland.

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.

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 hasidic dynasty of Kozhnitz.

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

[edit] References

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