Innovative Homily on the Book of Esther by the Holy Rabbi, Author of the "Chatan Sofer, " in His Own ...

Innovative Homily on the Book of Esther by the Holy Rabbi, Author of the "Chatan Sofer, " in His Own Handwriting - "The Jews Had Light"

A remarkable homily on the Book of Esther by the eminent Rabbi Shmuel Ehrenfeld, author of the "Chatan Sofer, " focusing on the verse " …the Jews had light and happyness…" and more. Within his discourse, he references the teachings of the Arizal.

The holy Rabbi Shmuel Ehrenfeld, known as the "Chatan Sofer" (1834–1883), was the son of Rabbi David Zvi, son-in-law of the renowned Chasam Sofer. He was born with the blessing of his grandfather, the Chasam Sofer, who named him "Shmuel" after his own father and held him in high regard.

Rabbi Shmuel served as the Av Beit Din (chief rabbi) of Betlen, Sikso, and Mattersdorf, and was one of the prominent rabbis of his generation, educating many students. He was also closely associated with the holy Rebbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, who held him in high esteem.

Rabbi Shmuel made great efforts to publish his works but often concealed his name out of humility. He passed away at the young age of 49. It is recounted, according to the "Imrei Emes" of Gur, that his early passing was due to the "evil eye, " as his writings were widely accepted and significantly impacted the Torah world of his time (Pelitat Beit Sofereihem, p. 362).

Regarding his birth and the affection shown to him by his grandfather, the Chasam Sofer: "My father-in-law [the author of Chatan Sofer] was like a son of old age to the Chasam Sofer. He was brought into the Chasam Sofer's study where the spirit of holiness resided, and he was greatly cherished, enjoying daily affection like a beloved child. Before he was born, the Chasam Sofer’s daughter had been childless for six years. Upon hearing of her distress, her father promised she would be blessed with a child and prayed for her. When he was born, the Chasam Sofer said of him, 'For this child Shmuel, I prayed'" (from the eulogy of Rabbi Meir Ash, son-in-law of the Chatan Sofer. See Chasam Sofer and His Disciples, pp. 118; 542-543).

Later, Rabbi Shmuel published the annotations of his grandfather, the Chasam Sofer, on the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, within his own works.

His uncle, the holy Rabbi Shimon Sofer, Av Beit Din of Krakow, once expressed his admiration, saying: "I envy the Chassidim who, when Rosh Hashanah arrives, leave everything behind and travel to their Rebbe to bask in the holy presence during the Days of Awe. I, however, am preoccupied with my rabbinical duties and cannot leave my community at such a time. If it were possible, I would leave everything and travel to Mattersdorf for Rosh Hashanah to bask in his holy presence, just as the Chassidim travel to their Rebbe at this time."

1 page, written on both sides, in good condition, with minor professional restoration to the edges, almost without loss of text.