Lot : 29

Handwritten Response by Rabbi Akiva Sofer, AB”D of Pressburg, Regarding Switching from

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Handwritten Response by Rabbi Akiva Sofer, AB”D of Pressburg, Regarding Switching from Nusach Ashkenaz to Sephard

Handwritten and signed response from Rabbi Akiva Sofer, author of Daas Sofer.

The letter addresses a case in which the members of two synagogues wished to combine into one. Being that each synagogue davened a different nusach, this aroused the question of whether it would be permissible for the congregants of one shul to switch from nusach Ashkenaz to nusach Sephard.

Rabbi Akiva Sofer writes:
“The response of my holy grandfather, the Chasam Sofer, immediately comes to mind. He deduces the halacha that one may not switch from nusach Ashkanaz to nusach Sephard. His disciple, Maharam Schick, came out to reinforce his rabbi’s ruling…”

However, Rabbi Chaim of Sanz countered the Chasam Sofer’s view and held that the Arizal’s nusach Sephard is considered universal, and anyone davening a different nusach may switch to the Arizal’s nusach Sephard (Chassidic nusach).

Rabbi Akiva Sofer (1878-1959) served as the ab”d of Pressburg and rosh yeshiva of the Pressburg yeshiva. He was the son of the Shevet Sofer, son of the Ksav Sofer, son of the Chasam Sofer. He began delivering Torah classes in the yeshiva from a young age and succeeded his father following his passing. He eventually immigrated to Eretz Yisrael where he reestablished the yeshiva. He authored Responsa Daas Sofer on Shulchan Aruch and Daas Sofer on Torah and holidays.
The Daas Sofer concludes with a personal prayer asking Hashem to strengthen him, “that I should be able to return to my holy task and study and teach…”

Dated Pressburg, 1922.
1 folded leaf (3 sides) | Personal stationary | 14 x 22 cm | Good condition

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