The German-born Moses Levy—the name Raphael (God heals) was bestowed on him as he lay on his deathbed—moved with his brother, Samuel, to London as young men. In the late-eighteenth century, they had made their way to New York, although strong business and family connections to London were maintained, and Levy would return to England on business.

The brothers married a pair of sisters, the daughters of Asher Michalls de Paul, Moses marrying Rycha and his brother marrying Rachel. Levy emerged as a very successful merchant in New York, involved in shipping and trade with Europe and the Caribbean. In 1695, he was made a freeman in New York. His attentions turned as well to the city’s small Jewish community, and he served as parnas of Shearith Israel. He is also on record as having contributed to the fund to build a spire for Trinity Church.

With Rycha, he had five children, including a daughter, Bilhah Abigail. In 1716, Rycha died and two years later Moses married Grace Mears in London. They would have another seven children together, including Rachel.