In 1830 he was appointed as the town rabbi of Sanz,[1] where he founded a Hasidic dynasty.

His first wife Rochel Feyga was the daughter of Rabbi Boruch Frenkl-Thumim (1760–1828), the rabbi of Lipník nad Bečvou (לייפניק Leipnik) and author of the work Boruch Taam.

His compassion and generosity was legendary; he literally gave away everything he had for the needy; and went to sleep penniless.

During his 46 years as Rabbi of Sanz; that city was transformed into a vibrant center of Hasidism, attracting tens of thousands of followers.

He studied with his brother-in-law, Yosef Babad, author of the Minchat Chinuch.