Chaim Dalfin

Chaim Zev Malinowitz (1952–2019) was a prominent Haredi rabbi, rabbinical court judge, and Talmudic scholar. He possessed extensive knowledge of the Talmud, Jewish law (halakha), and Orthodox Jewish philosophy (hashkafa). A significant contribution was his role as general editor for the 73-volume Schottenstein Edition of the Babylonian Talmud, published by ArtScroll, where he meticulously reviewed every line of the translation and commentary. Malinowitz also served as a dayan, gaining recognition as an authority on Jewish divorce law (gittin) and issues concerning agunot (chained women).

Born in New York City, Malinowitz received his early education in rabbinical institutions, studying under notable figures like Rabbi Mendel Kaplan and Rabbi Abba Berman. He later received rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. After establishing his career in the United States, he made aliyah to Israel in 1997. There, he became the rabbi of Beis Tefillah Yonah Avraham in Ramat Beit Shemesh, an English-speaking congregation for Israeli immigrants, which he led for 17 years. He was also known for his intellectual rigor, dedication to truth, and approachable demeanor, and notably opposed a ban on certain books by Natan Slifkin.

Rabbi Malinowitz was a central figure in the creation of the Schottenstein Edition of the Babylonian Talmud, a comprehensive 73-volume English-language project by ArtScroll. Serving as general editor alongside Rabbi Yisrael Simcha Schorr, he was deeply involved in ensuring the accuracy and quality of the translation and commentary. His role demanded that he examine each line and footnote, probing for weaknesses and ensuring that the work adequately addressed the insights of classic Talmudic commentators. This meticulous approach extended to other ArtScroll projects, including their elucidated Mishnah series. His expertise was so profound that nothing was considered final until he gave his approval, reflecting his commitment to scholarly integrity.

Beyond his editorial work, Rabbi Malinowitz served as a dayan (rabbinical court judge) for the Kollel HaRabbanim in Monsey, New York. In this capacity, he developed a reputation as a leading authority on Jewish divorce proceedings (gittin) and addressed complex cases involving agunot. He took a firm stance against the proposed 1992 New York Get Law, arguing that its coercive measures could potentially invalidate divorces. His halakhic reasoning on this matter was influential, ultimately contributing to the erosion of support for the legislation. After immigrating to Israel, he continued his rabbinic service by leading Beis Tefillah Yonah Avraham, an English-speaking congregation in Ramat Beit Shemesh, for seventeen years, fostering a vibrant community through various classes and personal study.

Rabbi Malinowitz was characterized by his comprehensive mastery of the Talmud, halakha, and hashkafa. He combined this deep intellectual foundation with a courageous commitment to his principles and a fervent pursuit of truth. Despite his profound scholarship, he was known for his amiable and accessible nature, earning respect for his genuine care for others. His dedication to study was evident from a young age, as he adopted practices like waking at 4 a.m. for pre-dawn prayers, a habit he maintained throughout his life. He also engaged with philosophical texts, notably studying the Tanya under Rabbi Yoel Kahn.