Day of Hilula
The Chafetz Chaim
כ״ד באלול
Radin, Second Polish Republic
In Jewish tradition, the day of a tzadik's passing — the 'Hilula' — is not a day of mourning, but a day of spiritual elevation and awakening. According to the teachings of Kabbalah, on this day the soul of the tzadik ascends to a higher realm, and their light and merits shine upon the world. Many Jews mark the day through Torah study, reciting Tehillim, lighting a memorial candle, and good deeds for the elevation of the soul — to connect with the tzadik's path and qualities.
His Life and Legacy
The Chafetz Chaim stands among the greatest rabbis and halachic authorities of the later generations. His work Mishnah Berurah became the central halachic text of Orthodox Judaism, studied and accepted in all Jewish communities to this day. His work Chafetz Chaim gave rise to a worldwide movement devoted to guarding one’s speech. The Radin Yeshiva produced generations of Torah scholars and leaders. His image became a symbol of humility, fear of Heaven, asceticism, and devotion to Torah. His influence on the yeshiva world, on halachah, and on Jewish ethical teaching remains evident to this day, and he is regarded as one of the architects of modern Orthodox Judaism.
"Lashon hara kills the speaker, the listener, and the one spoken about."