Auction 134 Special Sale no Incunables, Chassidut, Belongings of Tzaddikim, Amulets, Segula Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical letters, Chabad and Rare books
By Winner'S
Feb 1, 2022
3 Shatner Center 1st Floor Givat Shaul Jerusalem, Israel
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LOT 129:

Letter from Rabbi Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, Av Beit Din of Derecske, Author of 'Divrei Sofrim'

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Letter from Rabbi Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, Av Beit Din of Derecske, Author of 'Divrei Sofrim'


Lengthy Torah letter covering four pages. Content: Aggadic novellae, handwritten and signed by the gaon and tzaddik Rabbi Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, av beit din of Derecske - a scion of the famous Sofer family, the most prominent dynasty in Hungary after that of the Chatam Sofer. Written to one of his brothers, the rabbis and geonim. Nissan, 1911.


This letter was written to one of his brothers, the rabbis and geonim, who were occupied with writing a compilation of midrashim and sayings by Chaza"l on various topics. The letter was written as supplements and fill-ins to add to one of his brothers' books.


In the middle of the letter, Rabbi Shmuel Binyamin brings a pearl from his father, Rabbi Eliezer Zussman, av beit din of Paks: "I heard from my father, the gaon z"l, that the existence of Torah among the nations, as well as the existence of Talmudic scholars ... is unnatural and impossible to humanly conceive, as they said, 'Great is the hatred of the nations for Talmudic scholars ...'"


Later on in the letter, Rabbi Shmuel Binyamin cites an important foundation from the author of Hafla'ah regarding the conduct of a rabbi towards his congregation, regarding the saying by Chaza"l: "If the early ones were as angels ..." Regarding this, his nephew, the gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Tzvi Sofer,  av beit din of Temeswar, said about this idea that his uncle Rabbi Shmuel Binyamin spoke in public about it on the day he was appointed rabbi of Derecske: "These words penetrated hearts, and the sounds of joy and enthusiasm still ring in my ears."


Refer to the Hebrew catalog text for a brief biography of Rabbi Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, av beit din of Derecske.


The gaon Rabbi Yehudah Greenwald, author of Zichron Yehudah, wrote about him: "He is a wonder in this generation, in the level of his Torah and Divine service according to his years." The author of Beit She'arim, who lived near him, would send him complex questions in his old age in order to hear his decision. The book Diveri Sofrim on the rules of Talmud, in three parts, is printed from his writings, as well as Shu"t V'Chiddushei Divrei Sofrim (HeChatam Sofer V'Talmidav, p. 618).


[4] pp, 22 cm.

Fine condition. Aging stains. Fold marks, light tears in the folds.


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