Rav Yosef Moshe was born in 1735 (תצ"ה). He was a disciple of Rav Dov Ber the Maggid of Mezritch, Rav Yechiel Michel of Zlotshuv, Rav Avrohom Chaim of Zlotshuv, and Rav Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev. He met many of the second-generation leaders of chassidus and cites divrei Torah in their name from first-hand witnesses. He served as Maggid in Mesharim Zeborov and afterwards in Zalozitz.
Although he was a sickly man, he lived a life of perishus (sanctity and purity). His son-in-law testified that, “We never saw him enjoy any worldly pleasure; we barely saw him eat, drink, or sleep.” The miracles that he wrought became well-known and it was said that Hashem did not act until He revealed the secret to His servants who fear Him.
Two years before he passed away, he got sick and “Yosef” was added to his name based on the advice of Rav Avrohom Chaim of Zlatshuv.
His derashos on the Torah were printed in the sefer, Bris Avram. His commentary to the Haggadah of Pesach was printed as Be’er Mayim and also as part of the Pri Chaik of Rav Avrohom Chaim of Zlotshuv.
His sons were: Rav Yosef Elkana and Rav Aryeh Leibush Shapira.
His daughter was Freyda Royza, the wife of Rav Zev Wolf Blenk of Skalit.
He passed away on the 23th of Elul, 1815 (תקע"ה).
