Author: ArtScroll Staff

No doubt you’ve read and been amazed and inspired by ArtScroll’s biography of Rav Chaim Kanievsky ztz’l, by Rabbi Naftali Weinberger. (If you haven’t, go right now and start reading!) You may also have studied ArtScroll’s sefarim that present Rav Chaim’s Torah thoughts on different topics. And, of course, you’ve heard the countless stories about his berachos, his compassion, and his extraordinary diligence.

Now, ArtScroll proudly shares another book about Rav Chaim, which looks at his life and teachings in a wholly new, unique way: through the prism of his customs and practices, as seen and recorded by Rav Avraham Yeshaya Steinman, grandson of both Rav Chaim and Rav Aharon Leib Steinman.

Rav Chaim: A Life of Halachah brings us the halachic sources and background of Rav Chaim’s practices, with hundreds of beautiful photos that give us a powerful visual glimpse of his greatness. We follow the Sar HaTorah from Tikkun Chatzos through his first moments of awakening; from donning his tallis to reciting Kriyas Shema before his few hours of sleep. We sit with him at his Shabbos table, in his succah, and at his Seder.

ArtScroll was privileged to speak with Rav Avraham Yeshaya about the sefer and his relationship with his Saba:

AS: What is the backstory of this fascinating and unusual sefer?

RAYS: I merited being near my grandfather R’ Chaim from when I was a young child. One of my rebbeim told me after my bar mitzvah that I should write down all the distinct halachic customs that my grandfather followed, and I should ask him for his reasoning behind them.

AS: This full-color book has such beautiful, evocative photos of the Sar HaTorah, many of them rare. What went into finding such a variety?

RAYS: When ArtScroll came out with the book on my grandmother, Rebbetzin Batsheva, the author asked me to collect as many pictures as possible. Many of the pictures matched the exact halachic customs my grandfather followed and are included in this sefer.

AS: Please share something about your two sabas — Rav Chaim and Rav Aharon Leib Steinman.  

RAYS: They were extremely close to each other and appreciated each other immensely. In the later years, when each was overburdened, helping many individuals as well as the Klal, they would frequently send regards and warm berachos to each other through me or one of their other mutual grandchildren.

Order your copy TODAY on ArtScroll.com!