Pictures of the Chofetz Chaim – Which One is Real?

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We all know of the classic picture of the Chofetz Chaim, a sweet elderly Rabbi whose face literally glows in the picture. The question is, however, is this the right one? Some say that the classic picture is of the Chofetz Chaim’s wagon driver or Shammes, not of him per se.

Anyway, this is the classic picture of the Chofetz Chaim.

Pictures of the Chofetz Chaim - Which One is Real?

Now for the next one:

Pictures of the Chofetz Chaim - Which One is Real?

The above picture was taken in Radin and the Chofetz Chaim is seen speaking to his oldest son, Rabbi Leib Poupko who eventually became Rav in Radin and President of the Mizrachi in Poland. He passed away in 1939. The CC’s last Rebbetzin, also who was an adopted daughter, is standing behind him. There’s also a young woman in the picture standing next to the Chofetz Chaim. Rav Chaim Wolkin, the Mashgiach in Ateres, is seen posing (in a walking pose, which was apparently a popular thing in those days) in the street between the photographer and the house.

And finally:

Pictures of the Chofetz Chaim - Which One is Real?

According to the Living Torah Museum, the above picture is the clearest of them all.

So which picture is of the Chofetz Chaim? Could it be that he has changed appearances over the years?