Hopstein was born in Opatów, to his father, Shabbetai, who was at an advanced age, after having received a blessing from the Baal Shem Tov. The father was a bookbinder; his mother's name was Perl.
As a young child he was recognized as an illui (prodigy). He studied under the tutelage of Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who eventually convinced Hopstein to learn with Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch. After the passing of Dov Ber, he went to learn with Elimelech of Lizhensk.
After the passing of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizansk, the Magid began to lead a community of Hassidim and thus began the establishment of Kozhnitz Hasidic dynasty.
He was known for his greatness in the Torah, both in the biblical and halachic aspect and in the kabbalistic and mystical aspect. His publication also resulted from the miracles he performed mainly in the field of healing the sick in a miraculous way through his prayer to God.[4]
Hopstein lived for years in Kozhnitz (Kozienice),
and died the 14th of Tishrei[5] (September 28, 1814).[6][7]
Family
Hopstein was married to Royze. They had 3 children, (two sons and one daughter):
Rabbi Moshe Elyakim who eventually replaced his father as Rebbe after Hopstein's death,[8]
Leah Perl (who married Avi Ezra Zelig Shapira, Rabbi of Grenitz), and,
