The Chazon Ish: Legacy, Influence, and Leadership

Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz, known by the title of his works as the “Chazon Ish,” was one of the leading Lithuanian sages of his generation. He was a major halachic authority and one of the principal figures who shaped the path of Haredi Judaism in the Land of Israel.

His Impact on Post-Holocaust Jewish Life

The Chazon Ish played a decisive role in shaping Judaism in the generation after the Holocaust. His influence is directly reflected in the conduct of the Haredi community today.

He strengthened the idea of lifelong Torah study as a central value.
As the leading rabbinic figure at the pivotal moment after the war, most of the yeshivot founded during that time in the Land of Israel were established with his blessing and guidance. For this reason, Haredi biographers call him “The Father of the Yeshivot in Israel.”

His Precision in Halachic Observance

The Chazon Ish was meticulous in observing halacha in every detail. He viewed such careful practice as the foundation of true reverence for God.

A well-known example of this was his search for a strain of etrogim (citrons) that had absolutely no suspicion of grafting. His approach was widely embraced in the Haredi world, and there remains a high demand for etrogim grown from trees that trace their origin to those he personally used for the mitzvah.

Early Recognition of His Greatness

Rabbi Aharon Bina related that in Vilna, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski told him: “Go to the synagogue and there you will find a Jew named Reb Avraham Yeshayahu. He will be the gadol hador (the great sage of the generation), and remember that I told you this today.”

Guiding Philanthropy and the Building of Mikva’ot

Reb Elimelech (Max) Schreiber accompanied the Ponovezh Rav on a visit to the Chazon Ish. During the meeting, they discussed which areas should receive charitable donations.

The Chazon Ish told Max Schreiber: “When the Children of Israel left Egypt, they were commanded to tie the lamb to their bed. Why specifically to the bed? It hinted to them that the redemption of Israel depends on family purity.” Because of this, he encouraged Rabbi Schreiber to devote himself to building mikva’ot (ritual baths).
Indeed, Rabbi Schreiber went on to build 320 mikva’ot in various places around the world.

Promoting the Mitzvot of the Land of Israel

The Chazon Ish worked extensively to spread awareness of the commandments connected specifically to the Land of Israel, especially the laws of Shemittah (the sabbatical year).

His Books and Writings

His writings include the multi-volume halachic series “Chazon Ish,” which contains halachic insights, rulings, and commentary, as well as the well-known work “Emunah U’Bitachon.”

From his letters and correspondence, additional books were compiled, including:

• “Kovetz Igrot Chazon Ish”

• “Kovetz Michtavim”

• “Teshuvot U’Ketavim miMaran HaChazon Ish”

• “Genzim U’She’elot U’Teshuvot Chazon Ish”

The Meaning Behind the Name “Chazon Ish”

The title “Chazon Ish” contains the initials of his name: Avraham Yeshayahu. Because of his humility, he did not sign his name on his books. Instead, the publishers signed for him:

• His brother, Rabbi Moshe Karelitz, signed the first book.

• Rabbi Shmuel Greineman signed the later volumes.

A Life of Pain, Yet Filled With Spiritual Joy

The Chazon Ish and his wife had no children. He also suffered from chronic illness and lived his entire life with pain. Despite this, he was known for saying: “There is no sadness in the world for someone who knows the light of lights, the light of truth.”

Places Named in His Honor

The community “Beit Chazon” is named after him. In Bnei Brak, a major neighborhood called “Shikun Chazon Ish” is home to several of his foremost students. At its center stands the Lederman Synagogue, originally named “Beit Knesset Chazon Ish,” where all customs were established according to his rulings.

Another “Shikun Chazon Ish” exists in Zikhron Yaakov, and many cities in Israel have streets named for him, including a major street in Bnei Brak and another in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Jerusalem.

His name is also commemorated in the “Kollel Chazon Ish,” founded under his guidance during his lifetime and named after him after his passing. The kollel includes hundreds of scholars and was headed for many years by his nephew, Rabbi Nissim Karelitz.