He was born in 1821, and named after three great rabbis: the
Baal Shem Tov,
Vilna Gaon, and
Pnei Yehoshua. Nevertheless, he would sign his name "Israel Joshua", because the letters of "Elijah" also appear in the other two names (ישר
אל יהושע). He was initially taught by his father, but orphaned at age 11. At age 14 he married Friva, the orphan daughter of R' Haim ben Rabbi Yehudah of
Rawicz. For the next six years, he learned Torah while supported by his mother-in-law. He received
semicha from R' Shraga Feivel Danzinger. Starting in 1840, he served as the rabbi of
Szreńsk,
Gąbin,
Warka, and
Pułtusk in succession. In 1861 he became the rabbi of
Kutno, where he served until his death. ==Teachings and attitudes==