Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (1838–1933), widely known as the Chofetz Chaim, was a highly influential Lithuanian rabbi, halachic decisor (posek), and ethicist. He spent most of his life in Radun (Radin), a village in what is today Belarus, and became one of the most venerated leaders of Orthodox Jewry in the pre-Holocaust era.

Rather than being known by his legal family name (Poupko) or his official surname (Kagan), he became universally known by the title of his first landmark book, the Chofetz Chaim.

Major Literary Works

The Chofetz Chaim authored several foundational texts that remain core components of Torah study and daily Jewish life today:

• Chofetz Chaim (1873): His first major published work, which deals comprehensively with the laws of lashon hara (gossip and slander). The title is derived from Psalms 34:13: "Who is the man who desires life (chofetz chaim), who loves days to see good? Guard your tongue from evil..." The book systematically structured the laws of proper speech.

  
  

• Sh'mirat HaLashon: A companion work to the Chofetz Chaim, focusing on the ethical and inspirational motivations behind safeguarding one's speech.

• Mishnah Berurah (1884–1907): A monumental, six-volume commentary on the Orach Chayim section of the Shulchan Aruch (the Code of Jewish Law), which details daily rituals, prayers, Shabbat, and holidays. It serves as the primary halachic guide for much of Orthodox Ashkenazi Jewry.

  
  

• Ahavat Chesed: A book dedicated to the laws and virtues of loving-kindness, charity, and lending money without interest.

The Radin Yeshiva and Leadership

The Chofetz Chaim established a world-renowned yeshiva in Radin, which drew students from across Europe. Despite his massive global influence and authority, he famously refused to accept a paid rabbinical position, preferring to live a modest life supported by a small grocery store managed primarily by his wife, and later by the sale of his books.

He was a founding leader of the Agudath Israel movement, which united traditional Orthodox communities across Europe. Known for his profound humility, piety, and warmth, he was frequently sought out by both leading rabbinic figures and ordinary individuals for his blessings and advice.

Attempted Move to Israel and Passing

In 1925, plans were made for the Chofetz Chaim to permanently relocate to the Land of Israel, with a home arranged for him in Petah Tikva. However, when prominent rabbis and yeshiva deans expressed immense concern over losing his physical presence and leadership in Europe, he was persuaded to remain in Radin.

The Chofetz Chaim passed away on the 24th of Elul (September 15, 1933) at approximately 95 years of age.His passing was mourned globally, receiving front-page coverage in international newspapers like The New York Times. He was buried in the Jewish cemetery of Radin, and his gravesite remains a prominent place of pilgrimage.