Rav Yisrael was born on 10 Iyar 5614/1854, the son of Rav Dovid Moshe Friedman of Chortkov, and the grandson of Rav Yisrael of Rizhin, founder of the Rizhiner dynasty. He later became the son-in-law of his uncle, Rav Avrohom Yaakov Friedman of Sadigura.
His uncle (and future father-in-law) exclaimed in wonder at the child prodigy, whose birth left an impression on the entire Rizhiner dynasty: “All those named Yisrael were a novelty, but this Yisrael is a chiddush bachiddushim – a novelty even among novelties!”
He was recognized as a godol baTorah even in his youth; he hid his stature from others, however, at his father’s behest.
In 5654, on Hoshana Rabba night, at his father’s request, he began to take upon himself the mantle of leadership and accepted the role of Rebbe. On Shemini Atzeres night, he delivered his first discourse of Chassidus to the Chassidim, for his father had passed away on Hoshana Rabba.
His Chassidim numbered in the thousands, including well-known Rabbonim and askonim, among them the famed founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, Rav Meir Shapira; Rav Meir Arak of Tarnov; Rav Avrohom Menachem Shteinberg of Brode; Rav Meshulem Rot; and Rav BenTzion Katz.
The Rebbe himself was also an active askan, and founded several important initiatives in the public sector, such as Agudas HaChareidim and several vocational schools.
In 5672 he joined Agudas Yisrael and asked them to work for the betterment and improvement of Eretz Yisrael. His hope was to found a Yeshiva Gedola and Talmudei Torah in Eretz Yisrael and to engage in agricultural development. During the Knessia Gedola of 5687, he was appointed nosi of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah.
His household was run in the typical Rizhiner manner of royalty and grandeur. His appearance was regal and made an impression on all who observed him. Rav Moshe Mordechai Epstein, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, commented, “All we need is Moshiach, because the melech we have here already...”
He was opposed to the formation of separate kehillos and as a statement of protest he himself joined the general kehilla of Vienna and established proper kashrus guidelines for them as well.
During the First World War his chotzer was destroyed and Chortkov was damaged, acre upon acre. Rav Yisrael moved to Vienna and from there traveled to his Chassidim throughout Galicia.
He passed away on 13 Kislev 5694/1933. He was totally aware and sang several Shabbos zemiros while sighing from time to time. Afterward, he scanned all those in his presence and his holy soul departed. He was laid to rest in Vienna.
His sons were: Rav Chaim Aharon, who was niftar in his father’s lifetime, Rav Nachum Mordechai, who succeeded him and Rav Dov Ber. His daughters married Rav Tzvi Arye Twerski of Zlatipola and Rav Menachem Nuchem of Itzkan.
His teachings were disseminated through the seforim Ateres Yisrael – Husyatin, Tiferes Yisrael, Yismach Yisrael, Nezer Yisrael and Ginzei Yisrael, a collection that brought together all of his scattered teachings.
