Chafetz Chayim
Chafetz Chayim, whose real name was Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, was a preeminent Ashkenazi rabbi, renowned Talmudic scholar, and a seminal figure in Jewish ethics. Born on February 6, 1838, in Zhetel, Poland (now Belarus), he is best known for his works on Jewish law and ethics, particularly those concerning speech ethics. His most famous work, Mishnah Berurah, is a six-volume commentary on Orach Chayim, the first section of the Aruch HaShulchan, detailing laws pertaining to daily, Sabbath, and holiday prayers and conduct.
Throughout his life, Chafetz Chayim was deeply engaged in the Jewish community, founding the Radun Yeshiva in 1869, which became a center for Torah study. His teachings emphasized the importance of ethical conduct and the power of speech, leading to his penning of a seminal work on the laws of gossip and slander, titled 'Chafetz Chaim' after which he is popularly named. This work outlines the severity and parameters of forbidden speech, aiming to raise awareness and adherence to these laws among Jews.
Chafetz Chayim's influence extends beyond his lifetime, with numerous Jewish educational institutions and programs named after him. His ethical teachings continue to inspire and guide Jewish thought and practice. He passed away on September 15, 1933, but his works remain highly influential in Jewish studies and are studied in yeshivas and Jewish schools worldwide.