Chaim of Volozhin

[3] Using his new teacher's method, he began his studies anew, returning to Torah, Mishnah, Talmud, and Hebrew grammar.

The fame of the institution spread, and the number of its students increased, necessitating an appeal to which the Jews of Russia generously responded.

[9] Chaim continued to teach the Vilna Gaon's study method of penetrating analysis of the Talmudic text, seeking to elicit the intent and meaning of the writing of the Rishonim.

It presents a clear and orderly kabbalistic Weltanschauung that addresses many of the same issues as the Hasidic texts of the day.

The fourth gate, or final part, which is more popular and exoteric and extols the study of Torah, contains thirty-four chapters.

The unnumbered part, containing eight chapters, is in the nature of a preface to gate 4 (and henceforth will be termed 'pre-4') and deals primarily with ethical material, such as the suppression of pride and other undesirable character traits, especially as it relates to the study of Torah and the performance of the commandments.

[1] Chaim's brother, known as Zalman of Volozhin, is considered to have been among the greatest students of the Vilna Gaon.

Zalman of Volozhin's biography, the hagiographical Toldos Adam, includes many anecdotes related to the author by Rabbi Chaim.