Born to a non-Hasidic family in Goraj near Lublin, Poland, he became attracted to Hasidic philosophy in his youth.

He was known for having acquired impressive Talmudic and Kabbalistic knowledge at an early age.

He was a student of Reb Bunim of Peshischa, and upon the latter's death attracted many of his followers.

Several collections of his sayings have been published, most notably Emes VeEmunah (Truth and Faith).

One of his major students was Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Izbica.