Nathan David Rabinowich Addresses Chasam Sofer Conflict

Nathan David Rabinowich Addresses Chasam Sofer Inconsistencies Topic

Nathan David Rabinowich’s weariness of the recent wide-ranging and informative discussions on Chasam Sofer is well-known. He is a firm believer that any such claims, those of contradictions, inconsistencies and misrepresentations against a rabbi of such well-respected and well-known stature as the Chasam Sofer, must be scrutinized and analyzed extremely carefully.

Claims made in two recent articles, published by two leading scholars, highlighted that the Chasam Sofer was inconsistent and contradicted himself. Nathan David Rabinowich attempts to show that the supposed contradictions and inconsistencies are nonexistent or can be properly explained by careful and deliberate analysis of the actual sources and the issues involved.

Nathan’s respect for Rabbi Moshe Sofer, the late "Chasam Sofer," of blessed memory, is not merely that reserved for a great rabbi and outstanding scholar. Yet, in his classic article, he has committed to maintaining a balanced and critical approach throughout. In his article, he states clearly:

 "Nevertheless I feel it appropriate to note that from my perspective, Rabbi Sofer was a holy rabbi, a saint if you wish, whose towering scholarship in so many areas of Jewish studies was unmatched by his peers or by any rabbi from any subsequent generation."

It is an extremely uncomfortable motion when the Chasam Sofer is accused of inconsistencies, misrepresentations, issuing non-binding rulings, and contradictions, without seeing careful documentation supporting such claims. It is common knowledge that the Chasam Sofer was unique among scholars and rabbis for his organizational abilities in all of his "writings". As one of his students noted:

       "One of his most desirable traits was the unbelievable organization in all aspects of his life."

Rabinowich states that Chasam Sofer was extremely careful with the wording of each response he wrote, as he informs us. In fact, he reviewed and approved with his seal and signature most of the responsa transcribed by his scribes into his responsa collection. We have no reason to suspect that his approach to the writing of his sermons or novellae on the Talmud or Torah was any different from his approach to the writing of his responsa. Indeed, in another fascinating revelation, the Chasam Sofer claims that even in his social correspondence, which was usually written hurriedly, he was very careful to be as clear and decisive as possible. He did so by sometimes adding even one seemingly superfluous word to produce that clarity.

To know more about Nathan, visit here:  https://about.me/nathandavidrabinowich