Георгиевский крест
Livshits was born to an assimilated Jewish family in Odessa. He studied law at Novorossia University and then moved to Kiev University, where he graduated in 1912. He was conscripted to the Russian army and served in the 88th Infantry Regiment. In 1914, he was conscripted again and served in the infantry during World War I, being awarded the Cross of St. George.