Sefer Chafetz Chaim: the laws of proper speech and their structure
The Chafetz Chaim (חפץ חיים), “Desirer of Life” (a reference to Psalms 34:13-14), is the first legal work that comprehensively organizes the laws of proper speech. Its author is Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan, later known by the title of his book: the Chafetz Chaim.
Quick facts
| Title | Chafetz Chaim (“Desirer of Life”) |
| Author | Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan |
| Composition and first edition | 1873 (according to Sefaria) |
| Places | Radun (composition) and Vilna (publication), according to Sefaria |
| Genre | Halakhah on lashon hara and rechilut |
Content
It draws on sources from the Torah, Talmud and early commentators to address the details of lashon hara (evil speech) and rechilut (gossip). Sefaria considers it the authoritative work on these subjects.
Structure
The text consists of two parts: Mekor Chaim (“Source of Life”), the legal text, and Be’er Mayim Chaim (“Well of Living Water”), notes with elaborations and legal arguments. Sefaria’s table of contents gives: a preface; an introduction to the laws with the negative commandments, the positive ones and the curses; a first part on the prohibition of lashon hara (10 principles); a second part on the prohibition of rechilut (9 principles); eleven “illustrations”; and appendices with responsa of the Chavot Yair and the Maharik.
Joint edition
It is commonly printed together with Shemirat HaLashon, an ethical treatise on proper speech.
Frequently asked questions
What does Chafetz Chaim mean?
“Desirer of life,” from Psalms 34:13-14. The author became known by the title of his book.
How does it differ from Shemirat HaLashon?
The Chafetz Chaim is the legal text; Shemirat HaLashon is the complementary ethical treatise.
Sources
- Chafetz Chaim, entry and table of contents on Sefaria
