Remembering the Legacy: Who Was the Chofetz Chaim?

On the 24th of Elul, we commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, known as the Chofetz Chaim, one of the greatest Jewish figures of all time, particularly before the Holocaust. Describing the magnitude of his spiritual stature is a daunting task—words fall short. Nevertheless, here's a brief overview of the 'father' of the mitzvah of guarding one's speech and a pivotal figure for the Jewish people.

In his later years, a student witnessed the esteemed Chofetz Chaim walking in Radin, the town where he lived and established the Radin Yeshiva, heading to the synagogue. Despite the harsh winter with snow covering the ground, making it difficult to walk, he carried his tefillin and tallit bag under his arm. The student offered to ease the rabbi's burden by carrying the bag, but the Chofetz Chaim refused, firmly stating, "A student of Torah who learns all day must not be used for such a task!"

To many, this scene might seem strange, but those who grasp the rabbi's intent are often moved to tears. The Chofetz Chaim lived and breathed Torah, valuing the dedication of those who spent their lives studying it. Understanding their greatness, he could not fathom diverting even a fraction of their strength away from Torah study.

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So who was this Chofetz Chaim, who became the leading Torah authority of his time, attracting followers worldwide? Born on the 11th of Shevat in 1838 in the town of Zhetel, now in Belarus, he studied Torah in Vilna as a young man and was considered a prodigious talent. He was a disciple of Rabbi Nachumke of Horodna, who studied at the Volzhyn Yeshiva. After marrying, he settled in Radin, where he founded the renowned Radin Yeshiva and later entrusted its leadership to one of his close students, Rabbi Naftoli Trop.

Throughout his tenure as a rabbi, he never accepted a salary for his position, instead running a small grocery store open only a few hours a day. It supported him alongside his anonymously published books.

The Chofetz Chaim tirelessly worked towards bringing the redemption, encouraging priests to study the laws of the Temple service to prepare for it. He passionately promoted the value of guarding one's speech, believing that ignorance and neglect of this mitzvah lengthened the exile. Realizing the absence of a central halachic book on the subject contributed to this neglect, he authored the Sefer Chofetz Chaim on guarding one's speech. He expressed, "The matter has crumbled completely, as people habitually speak without contemplating whether their words fall under forbidden gossip or slander." He marketed this mitzvah uniquely and creatively, traveling from town to town with his books, calling out, "Who desires life?" to crowds. When they gathered, hoping for a life-extending potion, he offered his book, explaining that "one who guards his mouth and tongue preserves his soul from troubles." His profound love for every Jew made him unable to comprehend how anyone could speak ill of Hashem's children, knowing how deeply it would sadden Hashem.

Later, he published numerous other works, including "Mishnah Berurah," a halachic commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, which settled various halachic debates. Today, it is considered a primary halachic text among both Ashkenazi and many Sephardi communities.

The Chofetz Chaim also invested energy in promoting the Beis Yaakov school network for girls, led by Sarah Schenirer. He recognized the crucial role of women in building a Jewish home and worked hard to ensure Jewish girls received a pure education, unaffected by the secular winds of change. Despite initial resistance, the network thrived in Eastern Europe.

Throughout his life, he prioritized the well-being of Jews in the diaspora, personally urging factory owners worldwide to release Jews from working on Shabbat. Late in life, despite his frail health, he traveled to Vilna, declaring, "The purity of Israeli daughters is sevenfold more essential than my health," to advocate for the mitzvah of family purity among Jewish women. He initiated Torah schools for boys, supported yeshivas materially, and worked to assist Russian Jews during the 'Iron Curtain' era.

In his later years, a student recalled him inviting him into his room, opening his mouth to reveal he had not lost a single tooth. The Chofetz Chaim explained his staunch protection of his speech and avoidance of derogatory talk about any Jew led to Hashem preserving his teeth as a measure-for-measure kindness.

The Chofetz Chaim passed away on the 24th of Elul 1933, leaving behind thousands of students worldwide. To this day, those who follow his legacy and fulfill his exhortation to study two laws of gossip daily experience many blessings.