Yisrael Friedman

Rabbi Yisrael Friedman founded the short-lived but influential Ruzhin chasidic dynasty. Born in Pohrebyshche, he became head of its chasidim at 16, following the deaths of his father and older brother. He had little education, but his personality, talent for organizing, and early reputation for holiness gained him a large and loyal following in Pohrebyshche and then in Ruzhin, where he built a palatial home and lived in luxury. Though unusual for chasidic leaders, his followers saw his lifestyle as expressing God’s honor; he and others attested that he avoided personal comforts despite these outer trappings. After legal complications of uncertain merit, he ultimately settled in Sadigura. Rabbi Friedman had six sons, all of whom became leaders of important chasidic groups.