Rav Dovid Dov Ber Taub, born circa 5587/1827, was the son of Rav Binyomin Zev. When he was still a young boy, he became known for his dedication to learning and for his Yiras Shomayim.
It is told that when Rav Dovid Dov was just nine years old, Rav Yitzchok of Vorka paid a visit to Zaloshin. The young Dovid, wishing to see the Rebbe’s holy countenance during the davening (the Vorka Rebbe would cover his head with his tallis), crawled under the table and peeked up through the tallis to see the Rebbe’s face. He related that he also saw the Rebbe’s limbs knocking against each other, in awe of Hashem.
Rav Dovid Dov married the daughter of Rav Meir, son-in-law of Rav Moshe of Zaloshin, the Mishpat Tzedek.
Initially, not willing to be supported for learning Torah, he tried his hand at business. But seemingly it wasn’t meant to be; he was asked to serve on the Bais Din in Zaloshin, as the city was short one of the three Dayonim required for a Bais Din.
In 5615/1855, Rav Dovid Dov was appointed Rav in Shadek. Later, in 5620/1860, he became Rav in Neustadt, where he led the kehilla and also headed a large Yeshiva.
In 5635/1875, Rav Dovid Dov was appointed Rav in the city of Dabrizinsk, on the border between Poland and Germany. There, too, he founded a Yeshiva, which attracted many bochurim.
Rav Dovid Dov was a Chassid of the first Vorka Rebbe, and after his petira, of his son, Rav Menachem Mendel of Vorka. Following the petira of Rav Menachem Mendel, Rav Dovid Dov traveled to Rav Dov Berisch of Biala, and after his petira, he traveled to Rav Yechiel, the Alter Rebbe of Alexander.
Chiddushei Torah of Rav Dovid Dov on many masechtos of Shas and Shulchon Aruch were published as Binyan Dovid. Many of his manuscripts were burned, however, which greatly distressed Rav Dovid Dov.
Rav Dovid Dov was niftar on the 17th of Elul 5659/1899 and buried in Dabrizinsk. Zecher Tzaddik livrocha.
