Background
Twersky married the daughter of Rabbi Aharon of Karlin. After her death he married the daughter of Rabbi David Leykes who was a student of the Baal Shem Tov.
Twersky married the daughter of Rabbi Aharon of Karlin. After her death he married the daughter of Rabbi David Leykes who was a student of the Baal Shem Tov.
The family surname was originally spelled Twerski). According to Hasidic thought, Twersky was in charge of sustaining all the Nistarim (hidden tzaddikim) in his generation. Throughout his life Twersky collected large amounts of charity, and before his death he regretted not collecting even more than he did.
His thoughts, sermons and discourses were published in his book Likutei Torah, which was praised by other famous Chassidic leaders.
Throughout his teachings Twersky stressed the importance of pure speech and pure thought as a condition for a proper prayer connection. He also spoke of including all Jewish souls in one"s prayer, even evil people.
By doing so, evil people will stand a better chance of repenting (teshuvah). While still alive, Rabbi Mordechai prepared his place of rest on the outskirts of the village of Anatevka, near Kiev.
He selected such a place "because there is no house of idol worship, and the sound of impure bells won"t disturb my rest in the grave".
Indeed, his gravesite overlooks pastoral hills and the river.
