Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation

The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation[1] (established in 1989) is a non-profit Orthodox Jewish organization based in Monsey, New York, United States, dedicated to spreading the teachings of Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan who was known as the Chofetz Chaim ( חָפֵץ חַיִּים "Seeker [of] Life" in Hebrew) based on his work of Jewish ethics of the same name dealing with the prohibitions of gossip, slander and defamation known as Lashon Hara in Jewish law (Halakha).

The Foundation has become a popular fixture in the English-speaking Orthodox world. It utilizes a vast array of communication tools including books, tapes, video seminars, telephone classes and a newsletter, designed to heighten awareness of their values in "judging others favorably, speaking with restraint and integrity, and acting with sensitivity and respect". The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's website asserts their belief in the "Torah's timeless recipe for building a world of compassion and harmony".

It has received serious commendation for its work from leading Rabbis. Rabbi Moshe Francis, head of a prominent Chicago Kollel has written that:

Years ago, an organization like the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation -- which is marshaling the latest technology and enlisting the best communicators to help Klal Yisroel fight loshon hara and other sins of speech – would have been unimaginable. Our efforts to control loshon hara have succeeded because we have taken a preemptive approach, teaching young children about the pitfalls of this aveira, honing their sensitivity and inspiring them...(Based on an address given by Rabbi Moshe Francis at the Torah U'Mesorah Conference of Principals held in Chicago in early 2000.)[2]

The Foundation has raised significant funds and advertizes its activities and events by taking out very prominent ads in the Yated Ne'eman (United States); Hamodia; The Jewish Press and others, as well as by distributing newsletters to the English-speaking Orthodox and Haredi public.

The founder and director of the Foundation is Michael Rothschild.

Wide ranging appeal and acceptance

The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's publications, programs, and hence its goals have been furthered by the wide acceptance and recognition it has gained in the English-speaking Orthodox and Haredi world for its mission of publicizing the importance of the mitzvot ("commandments") of not speaking lashon hara or the spread of any form of slander:The chofetz chaim heritage foundation is a great organization for both kids and adults.

Integrated into educational work by organizations

...If you were inspired by the message of "An E-Mail from Hashem" may I suggest that you contact the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. I have no affiliation with this organization, but they do terrific work in disseminating the legacy of the Chofetz Chaim, who fought so valiantly against loshon hora. In particular, I would encourage you to sign up for their daily e-mail and join the machsom lifi program. You may also wish to arrange a community wide machsom lifi campaign as well. (Participants in the machsom lifi program accept upon themselves to be extra careful with shimiras haloshon during a designated period of time each day as a tool to overall improvement.) What a great zechus (merit) this would be for Klal Yisrael during these perilous times if thousands of Jews become more careful in guarding their speech.[5]

Reported in the Orthodox and general Jewish media

The Jewish media has taken note of the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's work:

In recent years, the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has carried on (Rabbi Yisrael Meir) Kagan's work and steps up its efforts at this time of year. On July 29, we mark Tisha B'Av, known as the time when national calamities hit the Jews. But instead of blaming outside forces, the Talmud says that the cause of the destruction of the Second Temple was the senseless hatred and ill will displayed between Jews. Since gossip and ill will are very much contemporary issues within Judaism, the Chofetz Chaim Foundation has created videos and other programs to spread the message about lashon hara...Tisha B'Av 2001[6]

Work with Judaica publishers

Help with dating and marriage readiness

The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has published material to help Jewish couples navigate the maze of finding a marriage partner without violating the guidelines of the Torah's prohibitions of slander or hearsay, yet to also know what is permissible to ask and tell so that future spouses not be fooled or harmed by unrevealed personal information of a delicate nature:

...We feel that everyone who is involved in shidduchim, whether they are matchmakers, singles, or family and friends of singles, has an obligation to familiarize themselves with the halachos of lashon hora and richilus as they relate to this subject. Even those of us with the best intentions may unwittingly transgress these prohibitions and in doing so we have the potential to do permanent damage to another Jew's reputation and to their future. Or, precisely because we want to avoid these aveiros, we may withhold vital information that we should disclose in order to avoid deception or prevent a tragedy. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has excellent materials on this subject. You can contact them...(Tips That Can Help You Be A Better Matchmaker by Rosie Einhorn, L.C.S.W. and Sherry Zimmerman, Esq.)[14]

and:

...Before you make the inquiry, we recommend that you familiarize yourselves with the Jewish laws of lashon hora (slanderous talk) as they relate to dating for marriage. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation can send you some material on this subject for a nominal fee. Call them ... for information regarding lashon hora and dating before you start the inquiry process. We also suggest that you consult with your rabbi about this subjects and the scope of your inquiries...(Checking It Out! - A "Formula" For Finding Better Dating Partners. By Sherry Zimmerman, Esq.).)[15]

Utilized by Bnei Noah

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation web site". chofetzchaimusa.org. 2008-02-10.
  2. ↑ "(Jewish Law Commentary): Accepting the Honesty Challenge. By Rabbi Moshe Francis (2000)". jlaw.com. 2008-02-10.
  3. ↑ "Shabbat Shalom Weekly (Ekev, Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25)". Aish HaTorah. 2008-02-10.
  4. ↑ "Spirituality: Personal Growth: Orange Juice Enlightenment". Aish HaTorah. 2008-02-10.
  5. ↑ "An E-Mail from Hashem. By Rabbi Yaakov Luban.". Orthodox Union. 2008-02-10.
  6. ↑ "What's so bad about gossip? Internet provides answers. (Friday July 27, 2001)". Jewish San Francisco. 2008-02-10.
  7. ↑ "Chofetz Chaim: A Daily Companion". jewishworldreview.com. 2008-02-10.
  8. ↑ "Chosen Words (2005)". jewishworldreview.com. 2008-02-10.
  9. ↑ "Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Tisha B'Av Video (August 14, 2005)". nachumsegal.com. 2008-02-10.
  10. ↑ "Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Video: "Do You Know The Way Home?" (August 3, 2006)". nachumsegal.com. 2008-02-10.
  11. ↑ Jonathan Rosenblum (July 27, 2001). "Why we love to hate.". jewishmediaresources.com. Jerusalem Post. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  12. ↑ Chofetz Chaim: Loving Kindness - Pocket Size: Daily lessons in the power of giving. ArtScroll Publications. 2008-02-10. ISBN 1-4226-0094-7.
  13. ↑ Yitzchok Kornblau, ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications (2008-02-10). "Book review: Trekking Through Time". The Jewish Press.
  14. ↑ "Tips That Can Help You Be A Better Matchmaker. By Rosie Einhorn, L.C.S.W. and Sherry Zimmerman, Esq.". jewishdatingandmarriage.com. 2008-02-10.
  15. ↑ "Checking It Out! - A "Formula" For Finding Better Dating Partners. By Sherry Zimmerman". jewishdatingandmarriage.com. 2008-02-10.
  16. ↑ "There is No Justification for Speaking Loshan Hora: Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation". Noahide Nations. 2008-02-10.

External links

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