Yaakov Yitzchak of Lublin

Who was Yaakov Yitzchak of Lublin?

Yaakov Yitzchak Horowitz, of Lublin, known as "The Chozeh of Lublin", or simply as the "Chozeh", was a Hasidic rebbe from Poland.

A leading figure in the early Hasidic movement, he became known as the chozeh, which means "seer" or "visionary" in Hebrew, due to his great intuitive powers. He was a disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch. He continued his studies under Rabbi Shmelke of Nilkolsburg and Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. He lived for a while in Lantzut before moving to Lublin.

After Yaakov Yitzchak moved to Lublin, thousands of Hasidim flocked to learn from him. Among his discples were such Hasidic luminaries as the Yid Hakodesh, Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, Rabbi Meir of Apta, Rabbi David of Lelov, the Yismach Moshe, Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov, Rabbi Naftali Zvi of Ropshitz, the Ma'or Vashemesh, and Sar Shalom of Belz. The Seer of Lublin also gained the reputation of a miracle-worker who could accomplish the tikkun, or repair of the souls, of those who sought his assistance and guidance. During his stay in Lublin Yaakov Yitzchak was opposed by a prominent rabbi, Rabbi Ezriel Horowitz.