Rebbi’s passing
Living testimony! A shaking and awe-inspiring description of the passing of Maran the “Chassam Sofer”, of his last days between Hoshana Rabba of 1840 and until the 25th of Tishrei, when he passed away, step-by-step. Written by his distinct disciple the holy Gaon Rabbi Mordechai Fischel Sofer, who spent all his time in his Rebbe’s shadow until his last day. Copied by his son, the holy Gaon Rabbi Naftali Sofer, Av Beis Din of Kadelburg and Neidorf, on Jan. 10, 1872.
The manuscript before us, two large folio-sized sheets, was copied by Rabbi Naftali Sofer on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Shvat 5632 (Jan. 10, 1872), from the manuscript written by his father, the holy Gaon Rabbi Mordechai Fischel, who had written it a few days after the passing of the Chassam Sofer on the 9th of Cheshvan 5600 (Oct. 17, 1839). This manuscript was later brought to print by Rabbi Naftali in his Sefer “Beis Efraim”, which was printed in Pressburg in 1872 (though a few words were omitted). The two pages before us contain the majority of the description (besides for the last lines which were printed, but are missing here).
The pages describe in minute detail the entire behavior of the Chassam Sofer in the last days before the Candle of G-D was extinguished, his complete clarity of mind till the last second, his Chiddushim, the joy that never left his face, his blessings and his full-fledged appointment of his son, the “Ksav Sofer” to succeed him in heading the Yeshiva and the Rabbinate in Pressburg despite his young age. Also, in emotional detail, it describes the prayers and cries of the entire congregation over those days, how they gathered in the Great Shul, men, women, and children, pouring their hearts out in prayer for his recovery.
Please see the Hebrew listing for biographical information on Rabbis Naftali and Mordechai Efraim Sofer.
[2] sht. 34cm. stains. Moth markings, with some damage to the text. Tears with damage to text, partially repaired with paper and adhesive tape. Good-fair condition.
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