Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (zt”l) is more affectionately known as the “Chofetz Chaim” (Seeker of Life) and was born and raised in what is now Belarus (Feb. 6, 1838 – Sep. 15, 1933). R. Kagan spent his earlier years as the town rabbi for the small community of Radun, Poland (now Belarus). He eventually resigned and instead set up a yeshiva in the same town. This same yeshiva eventually became world famous in no small part to its founder.

Apparently he also tried his hand at being a shopkeeper. His unwavering honesty in business dealings soon became widely known and many began flocking to his store. As a true demonstration of this man’s humility, when his business was doing so well his competition was going out of business, he quickly closed shop to allow the others to maintain a livelihood.

He is perhaps most known to the Torah world as a master ethicist. His two most popular books, “Sefer Chafetz Chaim” and “Sh’mirat HaLashon (Guarding the Tongue)” both deal with the Biblical laws of proper speech, slander, gossip and the like. Both are philosophical, and yet specific in regards to application as well. Many people study a page from one of these works daily in order to master the use of our words for good. He also wrote several excellent commentaries on already existing halachic works such as his “Mishneh Berurah” that demonstrate his firm grasp on the subject matter.

R’ Kagan founded Agudat Yisrael which is an organization dedicated to helping secular Jews in becoming more observant. Several yeshivot are named in honor of him as well as a Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation who’s sole purpose is to further his teachings in the hopes that we learn to master our words and in our treatment of others just as R’ Kagan did.

“Who is the man who seeks life, who loves days of seeing good? Guard your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Tehillim [Psalms] 34:13-14)