The Tzaddik of Ștefănești: The Life, Miracles, and Legacy of Rabbi Avraham Matityahu Friedman

Although he was a legendary figure whose blessings brought salvation to countless people, the Tzaddik of Ștefănești had a unique way of blessing others — one that reflected his deep humility. Whenever someone came to him requesting a blessing, Rabbi Avraham Matityahu Friedman would look at the person and ask: “Do you have faith?”

Once the person answered yes, the Rebbe would dismiss him gently with the words: “Go home, and Hashem will help you.”

This short sentence perhaps symbolizes more than anything who this Tzaddik was. Despite the immense respect he commanded throughout Romania — among both Jews and non-Jews, and despite the crowds who sought him out for blessings, he remained profoundly humble.

Birth, Lineage, and Early Years

He was born on the first night of Chanukah, the 25th of Kislev 5608 (1847), and named Avraham Matityahu Friedman. He was the son of Rabbi Menachem Nachum, the first Rebbe of the Ștefănești dynasty in Romania. His grandfather was the illustrious Rebbe Yisrael of Ruzhin, who personally chose his name — after Rabbi Avraham the Angel and Matityahu the High Priest of the Hasmonean family — so that he might bring salvation and healing to the Jewish people.

From a very young age he received a deep Torah education. At age three, Ruzhiner Rebbe taught him the letters of the aleph-bet, and upon reaching the letter yud, remarked: “Now I have made you a good Jew.”

He married twice, but tragically never had children. Already at age thirteen his father had said: “My son Matityahu is like a tree that bears no fruit.” Years later, this statement proved true.

Reluctant Leadership

When his father passed away, the young Avraham Matityahu was the natural heir to the leadership of the dynasty. But he refused to accept any position of authority because he felt he was too young. Only after persistent requests from the chassidim did he agree to become the second Rebbe of Ștefănești.

He rarely left his home, except for weddings held in his courtyard and occasional visits to nearby Jewish communities. Nevertheless, his influence was enormous — over Romanian Jews, non-Jews, and even government leaders. Among Romanian Jews he was regarded as one of the 36 hidden righteous men of the generation, lovingly known as: ​“Marele Rabin din Ștefănești” – the Great Rabbi of Ștefănești.

Known as a Worker of Wonders

Very quickly, stories of miracles spread:

• the sick recovered

• barren women conceived

• countless people were helped through his blessings

His fame grew, but he remained ascetic and simple despite his regal bearing.

A Life of Simplicity and Holiness

His lifestyle was extremely modest:

• He never put sugar directly into his tea, but held half a sugar cube between his teeth.

• He never lit a cigarette with a match, but only from an oil lamp.

• He prayed for hours in silence.

On Rosh Hashanah, during Mussaf, he would stand bent over for two continuous hours without moving. During the waving of the Four Species, he prayed for hours. On regular days, he completed Shacharit only at midday, when food was brought to his room for the first time. He ate a small amount and ordered the rest to be given to the hundred select students who learned Torah in the beit midrash in his courtyard. He cared for all their needs.

He was also an extraordinary giver of charity, distributing generously to the poor, orphans, and widows — even giving away all the pidyonot (donations) he received.

His grandfather had blessed him in childhood that he would have the strength of Matityahu the Hasmonean. That blessing was fulfilled, and he never needed a doctor in his lifetime.

He answered letters from around the world, but spoke little Torah publicly and hid his spiritual greatness. He learned both revealed and mystical Torah every morning, always returning the books so no one would know what he studied.

Final Years and Passing

In 1932 he fell ill, yet continued his holy work with self-sacrifice until he passed away at midnight on Shabbat, the 21st of Tammuz 5693 (1933), at age 86. Before returning his pure soul to its Maker, he kissed his tzitzit one last time.

During the shivah, his chassidim fulfilled his final request and established a yeshiva in his courtyard, named “Beit Avraham.” It stood until World War II, when the city was destroyed and its Jews fled for their lives.

The Miracle After His Passing

Thirty-six years later, on the 3rd of Cheshvan 5729 (1968), his coffin was exhumed from the cemetery in Ștefănești and brought to Israel. Those present were astonished to discover his body completely intact.

Today, thousands visit his gravesite in the Nachalat Yitzchak cemetery between Tel Aviv and Givatayim, praying and pouring out their hearts. Across Israel, numerous institutions bear his name — Mossadot Ștefănești — including a Talmud Torah, a kollel, a yeshiva, a soup kitchen, synagogues, and a publishing institute that has released books documenting the many salvations attributed to his blessings.