Tzvi Hirsh

Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh the fonder of the Zidichov Hasidic diynesty, was a disciple of Rabbi Yaacov Yitzchak, the Seer of Lublin (the Chozeh of Lublin). He was introduced to the Chozeh by his younger brother Rabbi Moshe of Sambor.

Born: Sambor, 1763 Died:  Zidichov, 1831 Hillulah Day: Tamuz-11

Among R' Tzvi Hirsh's students were famous tzaddikim such as Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Komarna, Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov (Bnei Yisaschar), Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Zidichov, Rabbi Shimon of Yaruslav and Rabbi Shalom of Kaminka.

Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh was very passionate about studying Kabbalah, Zohar and Kitvei Ari (writings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria) in particular. He made a tremendous effort in encouraging Jews to study Zohar and Kitvei Ari. With the assistance of his students, some yeshivot in Galicia added the study of Kabbalah to their curriculum. Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh blended the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov with the kabbalah of The Ari.

His book Ateret Tzvi includes his commentary on the Zohar. In his book Sur Mi'ra Ve'ashe Tov (refrain from evil and do good), he shows the path to spiritual growth with the assistance of Zohar study and Kitvei Ari.

Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Komarna writes in one of his books that the soul of his teacher R' Tzvi Hirsh is from the root of soul of Rabbi Chaim Vital which is close to Rabbi Akivah. Once Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh told his brother R' Moshe of Sambor that in one of his previous lives he was Rabbi Yishmael Kohen Gadol (one of a series of high priests of the Second Temple). The tzaddikim of his generation said he had the soul of the famous Yenukah, mentioned in the Zohar portion of Balak. Another one of his students Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Zidichov said " I heard from the holy mouth of my teacher that he was one of the students of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai".