The Chatam Sofer: Halachic Giant, Humble Leader, and Defender of Tradition

A Pillar of Torah and Tradition

Rabbi Moshe Sofer, known universally by the title of his responsa, Chatam Sofer, was one of the greatest halachic (Jewish legal) authorities of the modern era. He served as rabbi of Frankfurt am Main and later as the rabbi and rosh yeshiva of Pressburg (now Bratislava, Slovakia), becoming the central figure of Hungarian Jewry in his time.

The Chatam Sofer was instrumental in shaping the worldview of Torah-observant Jewry during the 19th century. He is especially known for his fierce opposition to the Reform movement and the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment), crystallizing his stance in the now-famous phrase: “Chadash asur min haTorah” (“Innovation is forbidden by the Torah”). Originally a reference to new grain, the phrase became his battle cry against religious reform.

His major works include:

• Shu”t Chatam Sofer – a monumental halachic responsa collection

• Chiddushei Chatam Sofer al HaShas – novellae on the Talmud

• Torat Moshe – sermons and commentaries on the Torah

• Derashot Chatam Sofer – sermons for holidays and special Shabbatot

• Commentary on the Pesach Haggadah

He passed away on the 25th of Tishrei, 5600 (1839), and was buried in Pressburg.

Stories of Integrity, Compassion, and Humility

A Match Made on Yom Kippur Eve

In Pressburg lived a young orphan, whom the Chatam Sofer supported personally, offering encouragement and guidance through life’s challenges. On the eve of Yom Kippur, while preparing for the holiest day of the year, the Chatam Sofer called his daughter and asked her to visit the young man and inform him that after the holiday, he would arrange a match for him with a young orphaned woman.

His daughter hesitated: “But father, it’s almost time for Kol Nidrei! Wouldn’t it be better to go after the holiday?” Her father smiled and replied, “My dear daughter, arranging a Jewish home and bringing joy to two orphans is a mitzvah I want to bring with me into the synagogue tonight.”

A Public Apology Before 390 Students

One of his students was gifted with an extraordinary memory and a talent for mimicry. During a lecture, he sat beneath the Chatam Sofer’s desk and imitated his teacher’s words and delivery so precisely that the entire class was amused.

Noticing the disruption, the Chatam Sofer demanded to know what had happened. When he learned the truth, he closed his Gemara and walked out of the classroom. The next day, he summoned all 390 students to a mandatory session, including the mimic, who was brought in trembling, convinced he would be expelled in disgrace.

But the Chatam Sofer surprised everyone. He opened the lecture not with rebuke, but with tears.

“My dear students,” he said, “yesterday I failed. Instead of appreciating a student’s love for Torah and remarkable talents, I reacted with anger. I embarrassed him in public. And the one who shames another publicly has no share in the World to Come…”

He burst into heartfelt weeping, repeating his plea: “I ask forgiveness from Hashem, and from you, my dear student. Please forgive me.”

Only after receiving the student’s full pardon did he resume teaching.

This moment, witnessed by hundreds of students, became a timeless lesson in humility, respect, and the courage to ask forgiveness.