Under the latter's direction, Auerbach acquired not only extensive Talmudic knowledge, but a secular education as well.
When, owing to the efforts of Herz Cerfbeer of Medelsheim, a Jewish community had been formed at Strasbourg, Auerbach was charged with its administration.
At the outbreak of the Reign of Terror in France, Auerbach, on account of his connection with Cerfberr (who as former contractor to the royal army was suspected by the revolutionists), was thrown into prison where he remained for a year.
In 1837, he resigned the position, ostensibly on account of his great age, but really to have his son succeed him in his place.
Auerbach was the author of several liturgical poems and prayers, and of a poem on the abolition of the poll tax, entitled Dibre ha-Mekes we-Beṭuloh (History of the Tax and its Abolition), still extant in manuscript.