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Chaim Volozhin (or Chaim Volozhiner or Chaim of Volozhin) (1749 - 1821) was an Orthodox Judaism rabbi, Talmudist, and ethicist.
Popularly known as Reb Chaim Volozhiner, he was born in Volozhin, near Vilna, Lithuania and died there.
One of the most prominent disciples of the Vilna Gaon, Reb Chaim Volozhiner established the Yeshivah of Volozhin. It endured for more than 100 years, 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 early commentators. This approach was followed by all the great Lithuanian yeshivas, such as Slobodka yeshiva, Mir yeshiva, Ponevezh yeshiva (Panevezys), Kelm yeshiva (Kelme), Klezk yeshiva, and Telz yeshiva (Telsiai).
His major work is known as the Nefesh HaChaim ("Spirit of Life"). It reflects the saintly purity of his character, his greatness in Torah, and his profound wisdom. Its purpose 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 his Nefesh HaChaim he emphasizes the power of Torah study and fulfillment of mitzvot to bring a Jew closer to God.
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