Photograph of Rabbi Tz. Matityahu shlit”a of Stefanesht, picture of the righteous rabbi, Rabbi Avraham Matityahu Friedman of Stefanesht – developed during his lifetime [according to what appears on the margins of the photograph].
The tzaddik Rabbi Avraham Matityahu Friedman of Stefanesht [1887-1933], known as “the tzaddik of Stefanesht” or, as he was called in Rumania: ‘the great rabbi of Stefanesht,” grandson of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. He was appointed Admor when he was 22 years old, after his father’s passing, and he led the chassidut for 64 years until his passing. He quickly became known as a tzaddik and great person, to the point that even gentiles would visit and consult with him, to be saved by way of his blessings. His chassidim were estimated to be in the thousands and his influence among all the Jews of Rumania was great. In a halachic responsum, Rabbi Betzalel Zeev Shafran wrote regarding him: “And who doesn’t know how great is the power of the holy elder of the Jews, son of kings of antiquity, servant of Hash-m in reverence and love, very reverent of Hash-m, and he is G-d’s prince in our midst, glory of our country … Not one of our brothers, the children of Israel, would dare go against his holy words” ( Shu”t HaRaba”z, part 1, Yoreh Deah, section 116).
His prayers extended hours, without emitting sound; on mussaf of Rosh HaShanah he would stand bowed two hours straight without moving a limb, and so it was during the lulav-shaking of Sukkot. Many miraculous stories were known about him in his generation and in ours, about many salvations, healing the sick, childless women bearing children and more. The Admor of Ribnitz and Rabbi Chaim Zanvil Avramowitz were among his chassidim.
His gravesite in Rumania served as a pilgrimage site for many. In 1969 his grave was moved to Israel and he was reburied in the section of the Admors of Ruzhin in the Nachalat Yitzchak cemetery in Tel Aviv.
13×9 cm. Divided on the back for use as a postcard. Stains, horizontal crack from end to end, moderate condition.