Rabbi Moses Sofer • Maharam Sofer
the Hatam Sofer
Era of the AcharonimYahrzeit pageThe Hatam Sofer, Rabbi Moses Sofer (Schreiber), was born in Frankfurt in 1762. Raised among a family of Torah scribes, he showed brilliance from a young age and devoted himself to Torah study with complete self-sacrifice. He went on to serve as rabbi and head of the famous Pressb…
Biography
The Hatam Sofer, Rabbi Moses Sofer (Schreiber), was born in Frankfurt in 1762. Raised among a family of Torah scribes, he showed brilliance from a young age and devoted himself to Torah study with complete self-sacrifice. He went on to serve as rabbi and head of the famous Pressburg Yeshivah, one of the largest and most influential Torah centers in Europe. For some forty years he guided his community and became one of the greatest halakhic authorities of the later generations. His responsa collection is a cornerstone of Jewish law, and he fought decisively against the Reform movement. His influence shaped both Orthodoxy in general and Hungarian Orthodoxy in particular.
Life Story
Childhood
Born in Frankfurt to Shmuel and Reizel, from an established family of Torah scribes. His early years instilled a deep love of Torah, and as a young man he left home to study in the great yeshivot of his generation.
Teachers
Among his teachers were Rabbi Nathan Adler, Rabbi Pinchas Horowitz, and Rabbi David Tebele Schiere, from whom he absorbed rigorous halakhic study and devotion to traditional Ashkenazic custom.
Students
His students became the next generation's leaders, including his son the Ketav Sofer, the Maharam Schick, Meir Ash, and Rabbi Hillel Lichtenstein.
Family
Born to Shmuel and Reizel, he married Sarah Sorel of the Eiger family. His sons, especially Avraham Shmuel Binyamin (the Ketav Sofer) and Shimon, continued his path leading communities and yeshivot.
Key Events
In 1806 he became rabbi of Pressburg, a post he held for about four decades, heading a great yeshivah. In his day Hungarian Jewry faced the challenges of emancipation and Reform, and he led the traditionalist line against change.
Influence
His rulings shaped Orthodox Judaism, especially Hungarian Orthodoxy. His famous motto, the new is forbidden by the Torah, became a symbol of the traditionalist stance. The Pressburg Yeshivah continued long after his passing.
Death
He passed away on 25 Tishrei and was buried in Pressburg (Bratislava), where his tomb became a place of pilgrimage.
Writings
Hatam Sofer
Responsa
A vast responsa collection of over a thousand halakhic replies, a cornerstone of Jewish law.
Torah Moshe
Torah and Talmud
Original novellae on the Torah and the Talmud.
Shirat Moshe
Sermons
Sermons expressing his educational and faith outlook.
Tzava'at Moshe
Ethics
A famous spiritual will guiding his children and students in ethics and conduct.
His Way and Views
Torah Study
He saw Torah study as the supreme value, heading his yeshivah tirelessly and urging full devotion and diligence.
Halacha
One of the greatest halakhic authorities of the later generations, whose responsa remain a foundation of halakhic decision-making to this day.
Faith
Deep, simple faith joined to awe of heaven, with his words of Torah full of trust in God.
Ethics
Meticulous in character, modest, and generous to the poor and sick of his community.
Customs
He guarded the age-old Ashkenazic customs and opposed any innovation that would uproot them.
Character
Firm yet gentle, sharp in scholarship and upright in leadership, standing resolutely against the pressures of his generation.
Public Role
The most prominent leader of Hungarian Jewry, preserving Jewish identity against emancipation and Reform.
Famous Quotes
"The new is forbidden by the Torah."
Famous Stories
מסופר שכנער צעיר בפרנקפורט נמשך בליבו לתורה כל כך, עד שעזב את בית הוריו ונסע ללמוד בישיבתו של הרב נתן אדלר, שהבין מיד את גדלותו וטיפח אותו כלידה של ממש. האגדה מספרת שהרב אדלר נהג לומר כי בפניו יושב מי שיאיר את עיני הדור כולו.
חכמי הדור מעידים שבמשך שנים רבות לא הפסיק החתם סופר מללמוד אף לרגע, ואת כל שעותיו הקדיש לתורה ולפסיקה. אפילו בעתות מגור ומחלוקת עם מתנגדי המסורת, הקפיד על לימוד סדור, וכל פינה בביתו הייתה מלאה בספרים ובחידושים.
Students
Teachers
Grave Site
Grave Details
- City
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Country
- סלובקיה
Grave location unavailable
Timeline
Born in Frankfurt
Became rabbi and head of the Pressburg Yeshivah
Passed away on 25 Tishrei and buried in Pressburg
Legacy
The Hatam Sofer's legacy lives in traditional Judaism today: his responsa are classics of halakhah, his Pressburg Yeshivah endured for years, his stance shaped the traditionalist line, and his descendants led Jewish communities for generations. His tomb in Bratislava remains a pilgrimage site.