Rav Sonnenfeld reassured me, “To have the Chofetz Chaim come to Eretz Yisrael, I would sign on Hoshana Rabbah with both hands”
IT is difficult to overstate the Chofetz Chaim’s impact on modern Torah life. His works, notably Mishnah Berurah and his eponymous sefer on shemiras halashon, marked his first 75 years of life. In his later years, the man gedolei Yisrael of his era called “our Kohein Gadol” studied and disseminated the laws of Kodshim. This was to prepare for serving in the Beis Hamikdash, upon the imminent arrival of Mashiach. Near the end of his life, the Chofetz Chaim harbored one final wish: to settle in the Land of Israel. In honor of his 90th yahrzeit, we are pleased to present you with this story.
In His mercy, Hashem has granted me the privilege of reaching the ninth decade of my life, so I intend with His help to go up to the Holy Land, to find favor in her stones and to cherish her dust. I wish to bid farewell to my brethren and to my people who inhabit all these lands….
I now pour out my prayer of entreaty before Hashem, Guardian of Israel, that He should have compassion on His people, who live in tribulation and captivity, granting them survival and taking them from travail to salvation. May He send them His Mashiach, to bring them heartening messages and comfort….
My last request of you as I take my leave is concerned with the strengthening of Torah study and the yeshivos. That is the foundation and core of our life and the source of the merit that will lead us to redemption. I beseech my brethren to heed to this last request of mine. Guard the light of our holy Torah that illuminates our holy yeshivos.
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