Tens of thousands of yidden are expected to visit the holy tzion of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, Rabbi Chaim Zanvil Ambarmovitz zt”l, in Monsey, NY, starting tonight and continuing throughout tomorrow, as the community marks the 30th yahrtzeit of this beloved Rebbe.
During his lifetime, the Rebbe was known as a miracle rabbi, with countless followers experiencing unbelievable yeshuos through his tefillos and guidance. His genuineness was unmatched — he once famously told a close follower, “I daven from here,” pointing to his heart, when asked about switching nusach, emphasizing the purity of intention over ritual form.
Born in Botsani, Romania, the Rebbe was orphaned at age three and raised by Reb Avraham Matisyahu of Shtefaesht, himself a great miracle worker. The Rebbe spent much of his life under Communist rule in Russia, risking imprisonment, interrogation, and even facing a firing squad, yet miraculously survived and continued to live as a devoted Torah Jew. He was meticulous in maintaining spiritual purity, immersing in a mikvah at least twice daily—even cutting holes through frozen rivers in the harsh Russian winters to fulfill this practice.
The Rebbe was renowned for his kindness and dedication to Klal Yisroel. In Russia, he personally helped Jewish women with the shechita of chickens, ensured proper kosher observance, and spent endless hours in tefillah and Torah study. His Tikun Chatzos sessions often lasted six to seven hours, leaving him sitting in mud from tears and ashes, demonstrating an extraordinary devotion unmatched in his generation.
Since his passing, his gravesite in Monsey has become the second most visited site for Jews worldwide, after the Lubavitcher Rebbe, attracting bochurim, families, and visitors from across the globe. Many attest to experiencing remarkable yeshuos after praying at his tzion, from health recoveries to financial blessings, and people can often be found praying there day and night.
To accommodate the massive crowds, the East Ramapo Central School District announced that all schools will operate remotely on Thursday, October 16. Interim Superintendent Ana Reluzco said the move will prevent students from being “on buses for hours on end,” an issue in past years due to heavy congestion on Route 306 near the Viznitz Cemetery. All after-school activities and athletics are canceled, and students will log in to their classes via Schoology following their regular schedules.
Local authorities, including the Ramapo Police and Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, will help manage the influx of vehicles and pedestrians. Traffic is expected to increase steadily starting tonight, with congestion heaviest between Viola Road and Grandview Avenue. Shuttle services, temporary parking restrictions, pedestrian barriers, electronic message boards, and automated alerts from the Town of Ramapo will help ensure safety and order.
For countless yidden, visiting the Rebbe’s tzion in Monsey is a deeply spiritual experience and a time to honor his kedushah and enduring legacy.
May the zechus of this great tzaddik continue to inspire all of Klal Yisroel to rise to greater heights in Avodas Hashem, Torah learning, and acts of kindness — each and every day of our lives. Amain!
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