Commemorating 91 Years Since the Passing of the Chafetz Chaim: 10 Fascinating Facts About His Life

1. Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, the Chafetz Chaim, son of Aryeh Zev, was known as the Rabbi of Israel. He passed away on the 24th of Elul, 5693, at the age of 94.

2. The Chafetz Chaim left a lasting legacy for future generations, mainly through his numerous writings and immense efforts for the Jewish people. His first public initiative was in the area of ethical speech, for which he authored the books "Chafetz Chaim" and "Shemirat Halashon." He was known to personally adhere to these laws and was very cautious of all forms of lashon hara (gossip). He emphasized the importance of mitzvot between people, writing books like "Ahavat Chesed" and others on related topics.

3. His most significant and widespread work is the "Mishnah Berurah," published in six volumes. This is a halachic commentary on the "Orach Chaim" section of the "Shulchan Aruch." It summarizes halachic innovations in books written after the Shulchan Aruch and resolves disputes based on Talmudic discussions and earlier writings. Over time, it became a vital halachic code for Ashkenazi Jews, significantly influencing Sephardic communities as well.

4. Additional works by the Chafetz Chaim include: "Igrot Chafetz Chaim," "Torat Kohanim with a New Commentary by the Chafetz Chaim," "Davar Be’ito" about forbidden foods, "Chomat HaDat" — a book of ethics encouraging personal Torah study and mitzvah observance, "Zachor LeMiriam," "Sfat Tamim," and others addressing forbidden speech and guarding one's mouth, "Likutei Halachot," "Sefer Ha’aruch," "Machaneh Yisrael," dealing with Jewish soldiers' conduct in foreign armies, "Mishnah Berurah" — a commentary on "Orach Chaim" section of the Shulchan Aruch. This book spread quickly and is now widely accepted by most observant Jews. "Nidchei Yisrael," aimed at those in areas where maintaining a Jewish life is challenging, "Sefer Hamitzvot HaKatzar," "Tzipita L'Yeshuah," a collection of essays on awaiting redemption, emphasizing a daily anticipation of the Messiah's arrival despite generational decline, "Kuntres Tiferet Adam" about head and beard coverings, "Shem Olam" — the first part about Shabbat observance, kindness, and supporting Torah scholars; the second part focuses on strengthening one’s religious practice, "Torah Ohr," "Aggadot Chazal," and "Torat HaBayit."

5. The Chafetz Chaim opened a small grocery store managed by his wife with great integrity. He regularly checked the accuracy of the scales, refused to sell damaged goods, closed the store midday to allow other vendors to earn a living, and managed the accounts at night. Due to the difficulty of avoiding theft and deception and his fear that the influx of customers harmed other shopkeepers' livelihoods, he decided to close the store.

Rare footage from 1923 featuring the Chafetz Chaim (starting at 0:58). Watch:

6. The Chafetz Chaim was actively involved with the Agudath Israel movement and personally attended its first grand assembly; he was also a fervent supporter of the establishment of the Beit Yaakov movement by Sarah Schenirer to provide Torah education for girls, a significant innovation that faced much opposition at the time.

7. The Chafetz Chaim was concerned with Shabbat observance for Jews in various places and personally requested factories and workplaces to allow Jews a day off; he also organized kosher food supply for Jewish soldiers stationed in the Polish army between the World Wars.

8. He was highly active in promoting family purity among Jewish women, publishing his book "Taharat HaBayit" and delivering addresses to large gatherings of women at the Great Synagogue in Vilna.

9. He married the daughter of his stepfather’s first marriage. When his older brothers heard of the match, they protested, since more prestigious offers with larger dowries were made for their younger brother. The Chafetz Chaim adamantly refused these proposals to maintain peace between his mother and stepfather.

Years later, he shared the story with his son, saying, “Without this small town and without your mother's actions, who knows if I would have achieved Torah learning and not been swept into worldly distractions like others my age.” His son, author of "Kitzur Toldot Chafetz Chaim," described his righteous mother: "She was kindhearted, humble, and God-fearing. She asked for nothing from my esteemed father, her only desire was that he excel in Torah and service, always satisfied with little." The son also recounted a story when his mother took him to buy clothes for his wedding, the shopkeeper blessed him to become a successful and wealthy merchant. His mother, upset, said, 'Who asked you for such a blessing?! Bless him to be great and God-fearing.'

10. His Practices:

• Every night, he would ascend to the attic of his house to pray, reflect on his daily actions, and beseech Hashem on behalf of all Israel.
• He was concerned about the well-being of Radin's residents, mediating peace between husbands and wives and friends.
• He educated his family with kindness, never reprimanding his sons for taking his place or interrupting him.
• If he arrived to sell his books and noticed a local rabbi or preacher earning a living from teaching, he would immediately leave to avoid affecting their livelihood.
• He regretted his youthful involvement in commerce and worried that he might have unintentionally stolen or cheated others.
• He avoided honors and insisted that complimentary titles not be printed in the endorsements for his books.