Rabbi Moses Sofer • Maharam Sofer
the Hatam Sofer
Era of the AcharonimThe Hatam Sofer (Rabbi Moses Sofer) was the rabbi of Pressburg and the leading authority of Hungarian Jewry. He fought against the Reform movement and religious innovation, championing a traditionalist conservative stance. He famously declared: "The new is forbidden by the Torah.…
Biography
The Hatam Sofer (Rabbi Moses Sofer) was the rabbi of Pressburg and the leading authority of Hungarian Jewry. He fought against the Reform movement and religious innovation, championing a traditionalist conservative stance. He famously declared: "The new is forbidden by the Torah."
Life Story
Childhood
He hailed from Frankfurt and was a disciple of the Noda BiYehudah and the Vilna Gaon.
Teachers
The Noda BiYehudah, Rabbi Nathan Adler.
Students
The sages of Hungary, including the Maharam Schick.
Family
Son of Samson Sofer.
Key Events
Served as rabbi of Pressburg, struggled against Reform, and headed the Pressburg Yeshivah.
Influence
He led Hungarian Jewry and upheld the traditionalist line in opposition to Reform.
Death
He passed away in Pressburg.
Writings
Hatam Sofer
Halakhah
Responsa and halakhic novellae.
Torat Moshe
Talmud
Novellae on the Torah and the Talmud.
His Way and Views
Torah Study
He led a major yeshivah.
Halacha
A decisor of Jewish law and a foremost responsa authority.
Faith
Conservatism and fidelity to tradition.
Ethics
Self-sacrificing devotion to Torah.
Customs
He preserved Ashkenazic customs.
Character
Resolute, courageous, and a leader.
Public Role
Leader of Hungarian Jewry.
Famous Quotes
"The new is forbidden by the Torah."
Students
Teachers
Timeline
Born in Frankfurt
Became rabbi of Pressburg
Passing