Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer,, also known by his main work Ksav Sofer or Ketav Sofer,, was one of the leading rabbis of Hungarian Jewry in the second half of the nineteenth century and rosh yeshiva of the famed Pressburg Yeshiva.
Background
Shmuel Binyomin Sofer was born in Pressburg (now Bratislava) on March 13, 1815. His father, the famed Chasam Sofer, Rabbi of Pressburg, was the leader of Hungarian Jewry and one of the leading Rabbi"s of European Jewry. His mother Sarel (1790–1832) was the daughter of Rabbi Akiva Eger, Rabbi of Posen, one of the greatest Talmudic scholars of his time.
Career
His official German name was Samuel Wolf Schreiber. When he was six years old, his family fell ill and among them little Shmuel Volf, as he was called. The doctors had already given up on him.
As a segulah they added "Avraham" to his name, but to no avail.
They already called the Chevra Kadisha and lit candles as was the custom of the time and they said the last rites. After hearing this; the Chasam Sofer went to a corner where all his manuscripts were.
And said a short prayer. At that time the sick child Avraham Shmuel Binyomin in his great weakness started screaming the Shema, and their prayers were answered.
Shmuel Binyomin"s condition took a turn for the better.
The doctors bewildered said to the Chasam Sofer. Now we truly know that you are a Godly manitoba To which he answered, "I hadn"t given up hope, not even for a second." The great pupils of the Chasam Sofer later testified that the Chasam Sofer said at the time that "for one Jubilee, I begged him out".
As Shmuel Binyomin lived for another fifty years and died at age fifty six.
The wedding was held in the town of Kamaren then they settled in Pressburg where he continued his studies and helped his father with the yeshiva. On October 3, 1839 his father, the Chasam Sofer, died and the mantle as Rabbi of Pressburg passed to him.
Everyone in attendance stood in awe at the sight of him writhing in pain and at the same time he was able to remember and say all these blessings. Another son, Rabbi Shimon Sofer was apponited as Rabbi of Erlau (Eger).
Shimon"s grandson Rabbi Yochanan Sofer has established numerous Synagogues in Israel and one in the United States of America, naming them Kehila Kdosha (transport Holy Congregation) Ksav Sofer.
Views
Quotations:
"We know that you are a Godly and holy manitoba If with your prayers you cannot help your son. On our part, all hope is lost".