RABBI AVRAHAM SHMUEL BINYAMIN SOFER OF PRESSBURG – KESAV...

RABBI AVRAHAM SHMUEL BINYAMIN SOFER OF PRESSBURG – KESAV SOFER, LONG AUTOGRAPH RESPONSUM, ADDRESSED TO RABBI BINYAMIN ZE’EV WOLF FUCHS, RABBI OF SERED.

A long responsum in the handwriting of Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, the Kesav Sofer, Rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva of Pressburg, addressed to Rabbi Binyamin Ze’ev Fuchs of Sered.

The content of this responsum is published in Teshuvos Kesav Sofer, Choshen Mishpat 16, but the manuscript varies considerably from the printed version, with differences in almost every line.

Dated, Pressburg 1849. Four full sides of handwriting, but missing final side, and without the writer’s signature.

Rabbi Shmerel Zitronenbaum, recognised expert on rabbinic manuscripts, has confirmed the authenticity of the manuscript, and believes this to be the copy sent by the author to Rabbi Fuchs, and not a copy that the Kesav Sofer kept for himself.

Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer (1815-1872), son, disciple and successor of the Chassam Sofer as Rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva of Pressburg and leading Torah authority of his generation. Under his leadership, the Pressburg Yeshiva flourished and doubled in size. He served as one of the leading Hungarian Rabbis who headed the movement for separatist Orthodox communities in 1869. Prolific author, whose published works include Teshuvos Kesav Sofer, Kesav Sofer al haTorah, Derashos Kesav Sofer, and Chidushei Kesav Sofer on several Talmud tractates.

Rabbi Binyamin Ze’ev Fuchs (1814-1874), son of Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Fuchs of Lashbrin. Leading disciple of the Chasam Sofer and of Rabbi Meir Ash of Ungvar, and Rabbi Chaim Kitsee of Irsha. Appointed Rabbi of Sered in 1848.

4 sides. 21 x 26 cm. Good condition. Fold marks.