Jewish Thought
Dedicated by Mo & Elisa Septimus in honor of David Itzkowitz and Rabbi Harry Tzvi Yoel Rozenberg, descendants of the Vilna Gaon, teacher of the Nefesh Hachaim.
About This Text
Author: Chaim of Volozhin
Composed: Valozhyn, c.1780 – c.1820 CE
Chaim of Volozhin’s major work is the Nefesh HaChayim ("Living Soul"). Contrary to popular belief, it does not deal solely with complex understandings of the nature of God, but also with secrets of prayer and the importance of Torah, the purpose being "to implant the fear of God, Torah, and pure worship into the hearts of the upright who are seeking the ways of God". It presents a clear and orderly kabbalistic Weltanschauung that addresses many of the same issues as the Hasidic texts of the day.