The Lasting Influence of 'Ketzot HaChoshen': 10 Facts About Its Author

1. This coming Saturday night and Sunday, on the 19th of Tevet 5785, marks the 212th anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Aryeh Leib ben Rabbi Yosef HaKohen Heller, known as 'Ketzot HaChoshen,' after his famous book.

2. Rabbi Aryeh Leib Heller was a rabbi, halachic decisor, and yeshiva head. He became renowned mainly for his influential work, 'Ketzot HaChoshen,' which is considered foundational in the world of study and halachic decision-making. He passed away on the 19th of Tevet 5573.

3. Rabbi Heller was born in the town of Kalush in Galicia, a descendant of Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller, from the lineage of Rashi. He served as a rabbi in the town of Rozniatow in Galicia, teaching many students, and was known for his sharp acumen.

4. Despite his dire poverty, Rabbi Heller made great efforts to write 'Ketzot HaChoshen,' a profound commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat section. This book greatly impacted yeshiva study methods, and many commentaries and innovations have been written about it. The first part was printed in Lviv in 1788 and made a significant impression. The second part was printed there in 1796. Since then, the book has been reprinted many times.

5. In addition to his famous work, he also wrote the treatise 'Meshovev Netivot,' in which he responded to the critiques of Rabbi Yaakov of Lissa in his book 'Netivot HaMishpat.' He also authored 'Shev Shmat'ta' (meaning 'Seven Discourses' in Aramaic), innovations on seven topics, which he began writing in his youth. In his later years, he wrote the commentary 'Avnei Miluim' on the Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer section, published posthumously. All his works are considered foundational in the yeshiva world.

6. In the preface to 'Ketzot HaChoshen,' he wrote: 'I bow before You. Rider of the heavens of heavens of yore. Dweller upon the cherubim, King of yore. Your great kindness to me, a small ruler. For my forefathers who walked before You with integrity. They will see You with the sun and before the moon for generations. Guide me with Your counsel. Feed me in hunger. Save me from the sword. Delivered me from the desert. You lifted me from evil and faithful diseases. These my eyes have seen. Afflicted You have chastened me. You did not give me to death. To eternity, You will not forsake me. Not for my righteousness or my integrity of heart, but for their merit and the merit of my father.'

7. The renowned 'Divrei Chaim' of Sanz once explained why the book of 'Ketzot HaChoshen' became a treasured possession in the Torah world and gained worldwide acclaim. His words were: 'Primarily, the book became famous due to its quality.' Furthermore, the 'Divrei Chaim' added an additional reason for its success, as told by one of Rabbi Aryeh Leib's students: 'Under his house was a cellar, and before going to teach, Rabbi Heller would descend there. A student hidden there witnessed Rabbi Heller lying on the ground, deeply weeping and reciting: “What right do you have to tell of my laws and bear my covenant on your lips?” Thus, wrapped in thoughts of repentance, his book was accepted throughout the Jewish diaspora.'

8. Rabbi Aryeh Leib himself explained the way he crafted his book: 'When I arise to study, I review what I wrote yesterday, searching for what needs to be excluded from the book and how to refine and improve its style, leaving only the finest innovations recorded in a clear manner.' In the preface to the book, he notes that before printing, he abbreviated the book and removed many things recorded in 'Ohrim V'Tumim,' which preceded him by a little.

9. In the preface to his work, Rabbi Heller addresses the idea that Hashem desires the innovations in Torah by human intellect. His words were: 'However, Hashem chose us and gave us the Torah as shaped by human intellect, even if it is not the ultimate truth. Therefore, the innovator creates a complete innovation, so long as it aligns with human intellect. This explains why Hashem showed all innovations a wise student is destined to make, as innovations are created through the student who innovates.'

10. The author of the 'Ketzot' further explains the capacity for a student to innovate Torah teachings through their ability, despite being mortal: 'To this, Hashem replied: “This is My desire, that truth shall sprout from the earth.” This truth shall be according to the sages' agreement in human intellect, and for the glory to dwell in our land, as I shall further explain. I believed that because I spoke, and this is the blessing of the Torah that gave us a Torah of truth, that truth shall be with us, and eternal life He has planted within us.'

To study 'Ketzot HaChoshen,' click here.