Chatam Sofer Memorial

More about the book

Chatam Sofer (1762 – 1839) is one of the most significant authorities in Orthodox Judaism. Nearly two centuries after his death, he remains a prominent figure in the Jewish world, particularly in Pressburg, where his influence is still felt. However, knowledge about him in his own community is limited. This book explores the life and work of this important rabbi, as well as the fate of his final resting place. The oldest preserved Jewish cemetery in Bratislava was destroyed during the Holocaust and under communism, with only 23 graves from the so-called rabbinical district remaining. These graves were later covered with a concrete slab, and a tram stop was built above them. After November 1989, the International Committee for the Preservation of the Graves of the Sages from Pressburg initiated efforts to save this significant religious site. The removal of the tracks and the construction of a new memorial turned into a thrilling detective story, complicated by the requirement to adhere to halacha throughout the process.