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Karelitz, Avraham Yeshayahu (1878-1953)
 The
"Hazon Ish"
His Life
An outstanding Talmud scholar, Karelitz was educated by his father,
Av Bet Din (head of the rabbinical court) in Kossow, Poland. His first
work on several parts of the Shulhan Aruch was published anonymously
in Vilna in 1911 under the title "Hazon Ish" (visionary), by which
name he became known. He moved to Vilna about 1920 and moved to Eretz
Yisrael in 1933, settling in Bnei B'rak. He became a teacher and guide
for thousands while maintaining his extreme modesty. He wrote more
than 40 books on religious topics, all of which are known for their
lucid, uncomplicated style.
His Accomplishments
From an early age, Karelitz showed unusual talent. He devoted his
life to Torah study, but was also versed in sciences ranging from
astronomy, anatomy, mathematics and botany. After his marriage, he
led an extremely modest life, allowing his wife to prove for their
needs while he studied day and night.
His first book, established his reputation as a scholar with vast
knowledge and profound insight. When he lived in Vilna, he was
frequently consulted on religious and community matters by Rav
Hayyim Ozer Grodzinski. He had a reputation for saintliness which
brought a constant stream of people to seek his opinion or to
receive his blessing.
After moving to Israel, he became recognized as an authority of
all matters relating to Jewish law and life. He had strong influence
on religious life and institutions, despite the fact that he was
not head of any yeshiva. He became a halachic authority without
publishing many responsa. He was once consulted by Prime Minister
David Ben Gurion on the question of drafting young women to the
Israel Defense Forces. A lover of Zion, he was not an official
member of the Zionist movement. Neither was he a Hassid nor an
extremist. He considered study of Jewish law and attainment of
a maximum degree of perfection in religious observance as man's
duty in life. Although principally an academic scholar, he applied
himself to practical problems such as the use of milking machines
on Shabbat and the cultivation of hydroponics during the sabbatical
year, when it is forbidden to cultivate land in Eretz Yisrael.
Biography compiled by Zvi Volk
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