Thousands of participants in the popular Daf Yomi shiur delivered by Reb Eli Stefansky were surprised this week when he introduced a newly published book about the Ribnitzer Rebbe and shared a personal story about himself that had remained unknown for decades.

During the shiur, Eli presented the new Hebrew book, “The Ribnitzer,” which recounts the life and wonders of the revered tzaddik, Rav Chaim Zanvil of Ribnitz. He noted that the book includes a personal account involving him, immediately sparking curiosity among the many listeners.

The story describes how Eli’s father, Rav Yaakov Dovid Stefansky—an accomplished talmid chochom and close talmid of Maran Rav Shach zt”l—would go out of his way to visit the Ribnitzer Rebbe late at night. During those visits, the Rebbe would seat young Eli on his lap while reciting Tehillim.

On one of those late-night visits, the Ribnitzer Rebbe made a striking statement that became well known within the family: “This child will grow to become one of the gedolei hador.” The words, spoken by a tzaddik renowned for his far-reaching vision, accompanied Eli throughout his life.

Addressing the story during this week’s shiur, Eli responded with a sense of humor. He told his audience that, in his view, it would be excessive—and even foolish—to claim that he is a gadol hador.

“The Rebbe knew that one day I would have the zechus to establish the largest Daf Yomi shiur in the world,” said Eli. “Although I am not a gadol hador in any way, every single day I am in contact with thousands of Yidden who are learning Torah from me.”