These rabbis are key figures in the Hornosteipel branch of the Twerski Hasidic dynasty, which is now rooted in Jewish Milwaukee. Hornosteipel, a historic Jewish village in Ukraine, was a prominent center of Jewish life and the administrative seat for the Hasidic dynasty that bears its name, which is why the Twerski family in Milwaukee are known as the Hornosteipler Rebbes.
The lineage starts with Rebbe Mordechai Dov of Hornosteipel (1839-1903) in Ukraine, whose son was Rabbi Benzion Yehudah Leib Twerski (1866-1951). Benzion Leib immigrated to the U.S. and his son, Rabbi Jacob Israel Twerski (of Milwaukee), officially founded Congregation Beth Jehudah in 1939 after moving to the city in 1927. Following his father’s death, Rabbi Jacob’s son, Rabbi Michel Twerski, took over leadership of the congregation and the growing Orthodox community in Milwaukee in 1973. The community’s leadership continues today with participation from Rabbi Michel’s son, Rabbi Benzion Twerski, and his grandson, Rabbi Chaim Twerski.
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