In his youth, R. Tsvi Hirsh studied at the leading Yeshivot in Germany, later immigrating to Voydislav, Poland for economic reasons.
R. Tsvi Hirsh married Sarah, the daughter of R. Betsalel ha-Levi of Zhovkve (died 1802), who in part was a descendant of R. Yoel Sirkis (1561–1640).
R. David gave her the three rubles and as he was leaving he said to her "zei gezunt" (a Yiddish interjection used when departing meaning "be well").
[2] R. Tsvi Hirsh favoured the simple interpretation of rabbinic texts (peshat) and studied medieval Jewish philosophy.
Many rationalist aspects of R. Simcha Bunim's thought are attributed to R. Tsvi Hirsh who is considered to have been a traditional rational pietist.