Eliyahu Hanavi’s Blessing

According to family tradition, Zekel Leib was born after Eliyahu Hanavi revealed himself to his father, Rav Mattisyahu, as a guest on the night of Simchas Torah, bringing glad tidings. He said that Rav Mattisyahu would have a son whose light would illuminate the world. This was a reward for his mesirus nefesh for the honor and glory of Torah in his town, and for ensuring that his own home was a bastion of Torah and kedushah.