*
Chafetz Chayim (חָפֵץ חַיִּים "Seeker/Desire [of] Life") Rabbi Kagan's first book, (published in
1873), deals with the Biblical
laws of
gossip and
slander (known in
Hebrew as
Lashon Hara, meaning "Evil tongue").
| View the online edition in Hebrew here
*
Sh'mirat HaLashon ("Guarding [of] the Tongue"), is a comprehensive discussion of the philosophy behind the Jewish concepts of power of speech and guarding one's speech. It also serves as an inspirational work designed to motivate the reader to be vigilant in the ethical usage of his speech and avoidance of others' unethical speech. Published in 1876.
| View the online edition in Hebrew here
*
Mishna Berura ("Clarified teachings") is a unique commentary, consisting of 6 volumes, on the
Orach Chayim section of Rabbi
Yosef Karo's comprehensive compilation of practical
Jewish Law, the
Shulchan Arukh. It combines his own elucidations and differing opinions with those of earlier commentators. [As found in the book by Rabbi Moses M. Yoshor "The Chafetz Chaim" on page 603 the 1st volume was published in 1884; 2nd volume in 1886; 3rd volume in 1891; 4th volume in 1898; 5th volume in 1902; 6th volume in 1907.]
*
Beiur Halacha ("Explanation of the Law") is a commentary tangential to the
Mishna Berurah. It usually provides complex analysis of the legal rulings of earlier Jewish legal decisors.
*
Sha'ar HaTziyyun ("Gate of Distinction") serves primarily to document sources for laws and customs quoted in the
Mishnah Berurah, but sometimes serves also to clarify ambiguous legal statements. The name
Sha'ar HaTziyyun derives from the phrase
sh'arim m'tzuyanim ba'halacha, translated as "gateways distinguished in (or marked in) Jewish Law," referring to the Torah study and scholarship that would distinguish Jewish homes. Rabbi Kagan chose the title as a
double entendre, hinting at the distinction of the scholarship referenced in his work, but primarily referring to (as he writes on his title page) the function of
Sha'ar HaTziyyun to document (mark) sources.
*
Ahavas Chesed - One volume. On the commandment of lending money to the needy.
*
Machaneh Yisrael - One volume. On the minimum and manner of observing the Jewish commandments for a soldier in the army.
*
Tiferes ha'adom - One volume. On the importance of a Jew having a beard and Pais. (sidelocks)
*
Geder Olam - One volume, published in 1890. On the importance of a married Jewish woman covering her hair.
*
Nidchei Yisrael - Two volumes, published in 1893.
*
Shem Olam - One volume, published in 1893.
*
Chomas Hadas - 1 Volume, published in 1905.
*
Likutei Halachos - 5 Volumes. The first volume was published in 1900; 2nd volume in 1093; 3rd volume in 1913; 4th volume in 1922. There is a fifth volume called "Hashlamah" or "Completion" which was published in 1925.
*
Gibores Ari - 2 volumes, published in 1907.
*
Taharas Yisrael - 1 volume, published in 1910.
*
Toras Kohanim - 1 volume, published in 1911.
*
Asifas Zikainim - 3 volumes, published in 1913.
*
Chovas Hashmirah - 1 volume, published in 1915.
*
Toras Habayis - 1 volume, published in 1923.
*
Zechor Limiriam - 1 volume, published in 1925.
*
Beis Yisrael - 1 volume, published in 1925.
*
Sefer Hamitzvos Hakatzer - 2 volumes, published in 1931.
