Rabbi Israel Lipschitz was born in 1782 in Obrzycko, where his father, Rabbi Gedalia Lipschitz, was rabbi. He studied under his father and then in Posen under Rabbi Akiva Eiger. He served as rabbi of Wronki, Chodzież and Dessau, and then of the suburbs of Danzig, where he fought the reforms introduced into the synagogue, a struggle that led to the separation of the communities.

He is the author of Tiferet Yisrael, one of the most popular commentaries on the Mishnah. Divided into two parts, Yachin, which explains the text simply, and Boaz, which goes deeper, after the two pillars of Solomon's Temple, it made the Mishnah accessible to all, from beginner to scholar. It is printed in most editions of the Mishnah, often called "Mishnayot Yachin uBoaz". Each section opens with clear introductions setting out the basic concepts. He also wrote glosses on the Talmud printed in the Vilna edition, a commentary on Pirkei Avot and an ethical will.

Known for his piety and humility, he led an ascetic life, sometimes fasting three days in a row while studying without pause. He passed away in Danzig, during prayers in the synagogue, on the Fast of Gedaliah, 3 Tishrei 5621 (1860).