Memories of a Sage: My Grandfather, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky

For decades, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky was regarded as one of the foremost Torah authorities of his generation. Known for his total devotion to Torah study, meticulous observance of halachah, and a life of simplicity, thousands sought his guidance and blessings. Yet for his family, his greatness was felt most quietly, in the constancy of his learning and the warmth of his presence at home.

Miri Mushkat, his granddaughter and the daughter of Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Kanievsky, shares her cherished memories.

Studying Torah (Credit: Shuki Lerer and Orchot Yosher)

A House of Torah

As a child, Miri frequently visited her grandfather’s home. One image remains firmly etched in her memory: her grandfather seated in study. Whether it was Shabbat or an ordinary weekday, Rabbi Chaim was always immersed in Torah, learning with unwavering focus and consistency. The scene never changed, and that constancy itself left a deep impression.

“Once Borrowed Is Yours”

Every Friday, Miri helped with Shabbat preparations at her grandparents’ home. The warmth and affection that filled the house stayed with her long after childhood. One tender memory stands out. When Miri borrowed something from her grandmother, she would gently insist that it not be returned. Once something was given, it was truly yours, offered wholeheartedly and without expectation.

Lighting Shabbat candles (Credit: Shuki Lerer and Orchot Yosher)

Between Grandfather and Granddaughter

Miri remembers that her grandfather avoided calling her by her given name, Miriam, as it was also his mother’s name. Instead, he used affectionate nicknames. Their relationship was marked by gentle humor and closeness. He would often tease her about school, asking playful questions that reflected his quiet attentiveness.

As the years passed, their conversations naturally became more practical. After Miri married, Rabbi Chaim blessed her with many children. With each new addition to her family, that blessing began to take shape, strengthening her sense of continuity and connection.

Tradition and Order at Home

Rabbi Chaim’s home was characterized by deep reverence for halachic precision, including strict adherence to the stringencies of the Chazon Ish. Shabbat meals were not long, but they were meaningful and filled with singing. If there was ever concern that a prohibition might be unintentionally violated, Rabbi Chaim would arrange for someone to remain awake throughout the night to ensure everything was observed properly.

(Credit: Shuki Lerer and Orchot Yosher)

After her grandmother’s passing, visits to the house became less frequent. Still, the connection remained strong. Holiday gatherings continued, with each festival informally “belonging” to a different family member. These occasions became treasured moments of shared memory and continuity, returning year after year.

The Same to All

Miri emphasizes that her grandfather’s demeanor never changed. Whether he was meeting heads of state or ordinary people seeking a blessing, he treated everyone with the same calm respect. He carefully avoided involvement in politics and maintained a consistent distance from public agendas, focusing solely on Torah and on those who came to him.

(Credit: Shuki Lerer and Orchot Yosher)

One particularly warm memory is from his final Chanukah. With a gentle smile, he distributed traditional dmei Chanukah, a gesture that left joy behind and became a cherished family tradition that continues to this day.

The Chanukah money ceremony (Credit: Shuki Lerer and Orchot Yosher).

When Rabbi Chaim passed away in March 2022, on Shushan Purim at the age of ninety four, Miri felt, as did so many others, an indescribable loss. Looking back, she reflects that she and her siblings always felt protected simply by his presence. With his passing, that sense of security was replaced by a quiet feeling of being orphaned, a testament to how deeply he had been a pillar in their lives.