Remembering the Visionary: Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz

Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz was born in 1878 in the town of Kosova, present-day Belarus, to his father Rabbi Shmarya Yosef Karelitz. While his brother and brother-in-law were well-known Torah scholars, he himself chose a life of seclusion, dedicating years to studying the Torah independently. He published his writings anonymously, remaining a hidden tzaddik.

Following World War I, Rabbi Abraham Yeshayahu moved to Vilnius, where he studied with Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, who frequently consulted him on complex halachic issues and public matters. He also maintained contact with the "Chofetz Chaim."

In 1933, Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu immigrated to Israel and settled in Bnei Brak. He focused extensively on mitzvot dependent on the Land of Israel, expanding observance of the Shmita (sabbatical year). Towards the end of World War II, he addressed matters relating to the International Date Line to guide Mir Yeshiva students who had fled to East Asia on when to observe Shabbat.

Once in Israel, his reputation grew, and he became known as the "Chazon Ish," named after his series of books, with his name cleverly hidden in the acronym Ish—Avraham Yeshayahu. He also authored the philosophical work "Emunah u'Bitachon" (Faith and Trust). After his passing, a collection of his rulings, sometimes conflicting with the "Mishna Berurah," was published under the title "Kovetz Igros Chazon Ish."

In the years following the establishment of the state, the Chazon Ish was actively involved in issues such as drafting women into the army and the relationship between secular and religious communities in the country. In a conversation with then Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, the Chazon Ish famously stated that the "empty wagon" of the secular community must make way for the "full wagon" of the religious community, a saying that became emblematic in discussions about religious-secular relations.

The Chazon Ish was also instrumental in shaping contemporary Haredi Judaism and the Torah study society.

On the 15th of Cheshvan 5714, the Chazon Ish suffered a heart attack and passed away, leaving a profound legacy. May his merit protect us all.