Known popularly as the Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan (1839-1933) was a Talmudist, rabbi and decisor of Jewish law based in the town of Radin (today Radun', Belarus).
During his long and fruitful rabbinic career (he continued to lead until his passing), he wrote many important works, most notably the Mishnah Berurah—a companion to Orech Chaim, the section of Jewish law that deals with everyday life. Written in clear Hebrew, it is studied widely and considered an important source of practical halachah (Jewish law).
Ever the practical leader, he wrote several halachic guides intended for Jews in distressed or compromised situations. Machaneh Yisrael was directed toward Jews enlisted in the (Polish) army, under circumstances that precluded living a fully Jewish life, and Nidchei Yisrael was intended for Jewish peddlers and others living far from established Jewish communities.
He wrote extensively about the mandate to eagerly await the arrival of Moshiach. In fact, in anticipation of the Final Redemption, he went so far as to publish works and teach his students the laws that will be relevant only after the Holy Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem.
He is most closely associated, however, with the volume Chofetz Chaim (“Desires Life”), which documents the laws and parameters of the Jewish prohibition against lashon hara, speaking ill of others.
Stories abound about the Chofetz Chaim’s legendary humility, sensitivity, and genuine love for every individual.
As a leader of Judaism during some of Europe’s most tumultuous times, he stood at the helm of a community confronting the successive challenges of modernization, nationalism, and communism, steadily guiding his people along the path of Torah and Judaism.
Join the Discussion