Rav Yossele was the son of Rav Tzvi HaLevi, Rav Hirschele Leitzas, Av Bais Din of Dombrova.
Born in 5533/1773, he was a descendant of the Taz, Masas Binyomin and Bais Shmuel. He studied under Rav Leibe Charif of Cracow and Rav Dovid Tebeli, and became the son-in-law of Rav Shmuel Gellis of Sanz.
He once sent a kvittel along with Chassidim who were traveling to Lublin. When the Chozeh opened it he declared, “Here is a great light in the Torah!” He repeated this a few times.
When the Chassidim described his greatness, the Chozeh responded, “A lichtiger – a shining bright person!” Their family name thus became Lichtag.
From then on, he became a follower and Chassid of the Chozeh of Lublin.
His responsa and Torah were printed in Amudei Aish Lebais Yosef.
