Chofetz Chaim

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For other uses, see Chofetz Chaim (disambiguation).

"The Chofetz Chaim" (or Chafetz Chaim or Hafetz Hayim) (Hebrew: חָפֵץ חַיִּים, Seeker/Desirer [of] Life) is the name by which the Orthodox Jewish rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan is popularly known. The name is taken from the title of his magnum opus, the book Chafetz Chaim.

Chafetz Chaim is about the mitzvot relating to correct speech and the prohibitions of slander. The Hebrew words "Chofetz Chaim" ("desirer of life") are taken from Psalms 34:12–15. "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of God. Who is the man that desires life; who loves days, that he may see goodness [during them]? Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit; turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it." [1]

A number of institutions are named after the Chofetz Chaim, many of which are also known in shortened form simply as "Chofetz Chaim."

The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, an American organization dedicated to spreading the teachings of the Chofetz Chaim.
The Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim: Rabbinical Seminary of America, a major yeshiva in Queens, New York named for the Chofetz Chaim.
Chafetz Chaim (kibbutz), the name of an Orthodox kibbutz.
The Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim - Talmudical Academy of Baltimore (unaffiliated with the yeshiva in Queens)