Great Leaders of our People

Reb Moshe Leib of Sosov
(1745-1807)

Third generation Chassidic rabbi known for his great sanctity and love of Jews. He spent much time redeeming Jews from captivity (pidyon shvuyim).

Characteristic of the regard in which he was held is the story told in the name of Rabbi Mendel of Rymanov:

When Reb Moshe Leib passed away, he declined entry to Gan Eden (paradise) until all the evildoers were released from gehenom and could join him. He succeeded in redeeming them and gehenom was emptied out. Among his disciples were Rabbi Zvi Hirsch of Zhidachov and Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshishkhah. He died at the age of 62.