Chaim of Volozhin
Chaim Volozhin (חיים מוולוז'ין also Chaim Volozhiner or Chaim of Volozhin) (1749-1821) was an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, Talmudist, and ethicist. Popularly known as Reb Chaim Volozhiner, or simply Reb Chaim, he was born in Volozhin when it was a part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and died there while it was under the control of the Russian Empire. Presently it is located in Belarus.
One of the most prominent disciples of the Vilna Gaon, Reb Chaim Volozhiner established the Volozhin yeshiva. It was in operation for nearly 100 years (1803-1892), becoming the "mother of all Lithuanian-style yeshivas". He continued to teach the Vilna Gaon's study method of penetrating analysis of the Talmudic text, seeking to elicit the intent and meaning of the writing of the Rishonim - the pre-1550 commentators. This approach was followed by all the great Lithuanian yeshivas, such as Slobodka yeshiva, Mir yeshiva, Ponevezh yeshiva, Kelm yeshiva, Kletsk yeshiva, and Telz yeshiva.
His major work is known as the Nefesh HaChayim ("Spirit [of] the Life"), a kabbalistic work, the purpose of which is "to implant the fear of God, Torah, and pure worship into the hearts of the upright who are seeking the ways of God." In addition he wrote Ruach Chaim, a commentary on Pirkei Avoth.
The current Israeli President, Shimon Peres, is a direct descendent of Rabbi Chaim Volozhin through his paternal line.
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