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Chasidim of Kozienice
[Yiddish, Koznitser chasidim] - A Chasidic
group founded by Israel ben Shabtay Hepstein (Hapsztejn,
Hofstein,
1733-1814), known as Magidem [Hebrew, "preacher"] of
Kozienice, a
sorcerer and tzaddik, one of the main Chasidic leaders. He
had been a
pupil of Dov-Ber of Miedzyrzecze, Elimelech of Lezajsk and
Levi Yitzhak
of Berdyczow. At a young age, he became a melamed in the
Przysucha
cheder. According to legend, on his deathbed, Elimelech of
Lezajsk
touched his heart, imparting him with great goodness and
sensitivity.
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Around the year 1765, he settled in Kozienice.
He led an ascetic life, and was also known for his charity
work. He was a
valued Talmudist and Kabbalist, as well as the author of
Avodat Israel,
published posthumously (Hebrew, Work of Israel, 1848). His
teachings
were characterized by clarity, despite many kabbalistic
allusions. He
wielded an enormous influence on his audience, and gained
many followers
thanks to the ecstatic way in which he led prayers. He also
was known
as a miracle worker and healer, particularly among women who
were
barren. According to him, the main task of a tzaddik was
spiritual
leadership and helping the faithful to come closer to the
Creator.
Criticized by rabbis opposed to Chasidism, he tried to
convince the
tsarist government to forbid anti-Chasidic publications. He
was active
in politics, and was for example a member of a delegation
requesting
authorities of the Duchy of Warsaw to lower the taxes on
Jews. He was a
well-known bibliophile, and had a collection of old prints
and
manuscripts.
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His son, Moshe Elyachim Bria (1757-1828),
succeeded him. Bria believed that tzaddiks should live as
close as
possible to his followers and try to raise the level of
their spiritual
level. His successors were Eleazar (1806-1862); Yehiel
Yaakov (?-1866);
Yerachmiel Moshe (1860-1909); Aron Yehiel (1889-1942), who
left
Kozienice and then lived in Lodz, Warsaw and Otwock. He died
of typhus
in the Warsaw ghetto.
(H.W./CM)
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