He was born on Iyar 3, 1851 in the town of Zboró, Hungary, today Zborov, Slovakia. When he was 3 years old, his father died. At the age of 12, his mother sent him to study with to Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh of Liska, Hungary, the author of Ach Pri Tevua.
After the death of Rabbi Chaim of Sanz, he became a disciple of Rabbi Mordechai of Nadvorna. The Nadvorner Rebbe suggested that he move to the town of Kerestir, in Hungary,
In Kerestir he became a Hasidic Rebbe and became known as a miracle worker His image is used as an amulet by those Jews who believe that it wards away mice and offers protection against misfortune.
His descendants have strong connections to Satmar:
Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rubin, Grand Rabbi of Kerestir in Borough Park, Brooklyn
Rabbi Naftali Grosz (1901–1987) Grand Rabbi of Kerestir-Berbesht,Son-in-Law of Rabbi Avraham Steiner.
Brooklyn New York, Israel, Miami Beach. Rabbi Grosz continued to provide prayer services, a learning center, and support for the community"s needy and poor until his death in 2007.
The house that Rabbi Rafeal Grosz built was sold to the Jewish Educational Leadership Institute (Communaute Francophone Miami ) which is expected to continue to provide similar community services at the same location. Rabbi Yeshaya Gross, eldest son of Rabbi Naftali Grosz, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn – Grand Rabbi of Kerestir-Berbesht, Brooklyn New York, Desert Hot Springs California.
Rabbi Grosz built an addition to his house to enable him to provide services to the community and ensure that needy members of the community had housing and support.
