Remembering a Visionary: Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz, the Chazon Ish

Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz was born in 1878 in the town of Kosova, in present-day Belarus, to his father, Rabbi Shmarya Yosef Karelitz. While his brother and brother-in-law were well-known Torah scholars, he chose a life of seclusion, dedicating many years to independent Torah study. He published his writings anonymously and remained a hidden tzaddik.

Following World War I, Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu moved to Vilnius, where he studied with Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, who frequently consulted him on complex halachic issues and communal matters. He also maintained contact with the Chofetz Chaim.

In 1933, Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu immigrated to the Land of Israel and settled in Bnei Brak. There, he devoted himself extensively to mitzvot dependent on the Land of Israel, expanding and strengthening observance of the Shmita (sabbatical year). Toward the end of World War II, he addressed complex questions concerning the International Date Line in order to guide students of the Mir Yeshiva who had fled to East Asia on the proper observance of Shabbat.

After his arrival in Israel, his reputation grew rapidly, and he became known as the Chazon Ish, named after his series of halachic works, with his personal name subtly embedded in the acronym Ish for Avraham Yeshayahu. He also authored the philosophical work Emunah u’Bitachon (Faith and Trust). Following his passing, a collection of his responsa and rulings, some of which differ from the Mishnah Berurah, was published under the title Kovetz Igrot Chazon Ish.

In the years following the establishment of the State of Israel, the Chazon Ish was actively involved in major public issues, including the drafting of women into the army and the relationship between secular and religious communities. In a well-known meeting with then Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, the Chazon Ish famously remarked that the “empty wagon” of the secular community must yield to the “full wagon” of the religious community, a phrase that became emblematic in discussions of religious and secular relations.

The Chazon Ish also played a central role in shaping contemporary Haredi Judaism and the modern Torah study society.

On the 15th of Cheshvan, 5714, the Chazon Ish suffered a heart attack and passed away, leaving behind a profound and enduring legacy. May his merit protect us all.