The Ribnitzer Rebbe, Harav Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz, ZT"L, did not have an easy life. He was born in the year 5662 in Botoshan, Romania, to his father, Reb Moshe Abramowitz, a devoted chassid of the Shtefaneshter Rebbe, Harav Avraham Mattisyahu Friedman, ZT"L.

The Shtefaneshter Rebbe was named Avraham after his illustrious great-grandfather, Reb Avraham HaMalach—the son of the holy Mezritcher Maggid, ZT"L—and Mattisyahu because he was born on Zos Chanukah. Harav Avraham Mattisyahu was the son of Harav Menachem Nachum of Shtefanesht, ZT"L, and a grandson of the holy Ruzhiner Rebbe, ZY"A.

The Ribnitzer’s mother, Yuta Tzipporah, would frequently visit the Shtefaneshter Rebbe to plead for a brachah for another child. She would constantly remind the Rebbe that fourteen long years had passed since the birth of her first child, Yitzchak.

During one particular visit, she refused to relent. "Rebbe," she declared, "I am not leaving here until the Rebbe gives me a brachah for a child!"

Hearing her desperate pleas, the Rebbe promised her that she would merit having another child within the year.

The Rebbe’s brachah was fulfilled. Later that year, Reb Moshe and his wife welcomed a baby boy, whom they named Chaim Zanvil.