[1][3] He was a student of both the Magid/Dov Ber of Mezeritch and Elimelech of Lizhensk, and wrote many books on Chassidus and Kabbalah.

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.

He studied under the tutelage of Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who eventually convinced Hopstein to learn with Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch.

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).