The Chofetz ChaimHeritage Foundation is a non-profit Orthodox Jewish organization based in Monsey, New York, United States, dedicated to spreading the teachings of Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan who was known as the Chofetz Chaim based on his work of Jewish ethics of the same name dealing with the prohibitions of gossip, slander and defamation known as Lashon Hara in Jewish law. The foundation has become a popular fixture in the English-speaking Orthodox world. It utilizes a vast array of communication tools including books, tapes, video seminars, telephone classes and a newsletter, designed to heighten awareness of their values in "judging others favorably, speaking with restraint and integrity, and acting with sensitivity and respect". The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's website asserts their belief in the "Torah's timeless recipe for building a world of compassion and harmony". It has received serious commendation for its work from leading Rabbis. Rabbi Moshe Francis, head of a prominent ChicagoKollel has written that: The foundation has raised significant funds and advertises its activities and events by taking out very prominent ads in the Yated Ne'eman ; Hamodia; The Jewish Press and others, as well as by distributing newsletters to the English-speaking Orthodox and Haredi public. The founder and director of the foundation is Michael Rothschild.
Wide-ranging appeal and acceptance
The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's publications, programs, and hence its goals have been furthered by the wide acceptance and recognition it has gained in the English-speaking Orthodox and Haredi world for its mission of publicizing the importance of the mitzvot of not speaking lashon hara or the spread of any form of slander. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation is a great organization for both kids and adults.
Integrated into educational work by organizations
The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's publications at its annual Tisha BeAv events were commended by Rabbi Kalman Packouz of Aish HaTorah: "...Last week on Tisha B'av many synagogues around North America had a program on judging people favorably. I was very impressed with a handout from the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, which works hard and effectively to educate Jews about the Laws of Speech..." and "...'The Road to Tranquility"... proceeded with a quote made available from the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation... an organization dedicated to raising the quality of interpersonal relationships..."
The Jewish media has taken note of the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's work:
The Jewish World Review utilizes as a resource and quotes from "Chofetz Chaim: A Daily Companion," a project of Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation and Mesorah Publications" and "Chosen Words: A newsletter for personal and spiritual growth...is produced by the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation."
Nachum Segal has promoted the work of the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation on his popular radio shows in the New York area and on his show's website: "Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation presents a Tisha B'Av video with Rabbi Yissocher Frand and Rabbi Raymond Beyda titled 'Rebuilding the Bais Hamikdash Word by Word'" and "Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Video: 'Do You Know The Way Home?'"
Jonathan Rosenblum of Jewish Media Resources, wrote in the Jerusalem Post: "...Last Sunday, 10,000 Jews gathered in the Catskills to recite Tehillim on behalf of the Jews of Israel. On Tisha B’Av itself, 40,000 Jews in nearly 250 locations around the world, will view a video produced by he Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation devoted to avoidance of disputes..."
Work with Judaica publishers
ArtScroll, the major publisher of Torah Judaica, co-published a number of books with the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation: "Chofetz Chaim: Loving Kindness - Pocket Size. Daily lessons in the power of giving...Published in conjunction with the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, it has the same easy-to-use daily calendar format as Chofetz Chaim: A Daily Companion. Based on the inspirational lectures on Sefer Ahavas Chessed..."
The Jewish Press reports: "The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has long been known for its dedication to helping Jews throughout the world take hold of the precious mitzvos of shmiras ha’lashon and ahavas Yisrael. In an unprecedented undertaking, they have put together a team of Torah scholars, halachic experts, illustrators, graphic artists, research consultants and a most innovative author – who have collaborated on a book for children that just might become a classic in the world of children’s Torah literature."..."
Help with dating and marriage readiness
The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has published material to help Jewish couples navigate the maze of finding a marriage partner without violating the guidelines of the Torah's prohibitions of slander or hearsay, yet to also know what is permissible to ask and tell so that future spouses not be fooled or harmed by unrevealed personal information of a delicate nature:
Traditional Orthodox shadchanim who are presently very active in the field assert that:
and:
Utilized by Bnei Noah
Certain Noahide organizations and groups utilize, quote and are motivated by the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation: "Lashon Hara - There is No Justification for Speaking Loshon Hora, educational articles written by Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation..."
