MOSHE ZVI OF SAVRAN

Moshe Zvi Giterman of Savran (1775-1837), the Savraner Rebbe, was an influential Hasidic Rebbe in Ukraine whose following numbered in the thousands.

His father, Rabbi Shimon Shlomo (I), was the Maggid of Savran and a disciple of Dovber of Mezeritch, the primary disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidic Judaism. Moshe Zvi was a disciple of his father, Rabbi Levi Yitschok of Berditchev and Rabbi Boruch of Mezhbizh. After his father’s death in 1802, Moshe Zvi took over his position as the Maggid of Savran. Moshe Zvi went on to become the Rabbi of Berditchev after the death of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, and later became the Rabbi of the towns of Uman and Kishinev as well. He had thousands of chasidim in Volhynia and Bessarabia.

Moshe Zvi’s Torah insights were collected and printed in the book, Likutey Shoshanim. His son, Shimon Shlomo (II), succeeded him as Savraner Rebbe.