Rabbi Simcha Bunim Bonhart of Peshischa was one of the key leaders of Hasidic Judaism in Poland.
Background
After studying Torah at yeshivas in Mattersdorf and Nikolsburg, he was introduced to the world of Hasidism by his father-in-law, and became a chasid (follower) of Rabbi Yisroel Hopsztajn (Magid of Kozhnitz), and then Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak of Lublin (Chozeh), and the Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Rabinowicz (Yid Hakodosh), the Hasidic leaders of the day.
Career
After the death of the Yid Hakodosh, most of the chasidim followed Rabbi Simcha Bunim as their rebbe. Not wanting to take up a rabbinical position, he supported himself by practising pharmacy. At a later stage, he became an agent for Temerl Bergson, a wealthy businesswoman who supported many of the chasidic leaders during her time.