Rabbis’ Pledge at Chasam Sofer’s Gravesite

By Aryeh Gillman

Dozens of rabbis from across Europe and the former Soviet Union recently visited Bratislava, Slovakia, to attend an in-depth course in the laws of the Jewish home.

Is was part of a series of halachic and professional courses that the Rabbinical Center of Europe organizes as part of its yearly programs. The host was the Chief Rabbi of Slovakia Baruch Myers who marked 25 years since he moved to the country as a Chabad Shliach of the Rebbe.

The course was directed by Rabbi Levi Raskin, a dayan on the Kedassia Bais Din in London and Rov of the Chabad community in London, England. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Emmanuel Tehillah, who delivered a number of lectures throughout the conference. Among many other issues, the rabbis discussed reaching out to young couples to draw them closer to Torah and mitzvos.

Members of the community warmly welcomed the Rabbis noting that a visit by such eminent rabbanim from all over Europe was a reason to celebrate. During the conference, the rabbis visited the gravesite of the Chasam Sofer, Rabbi Moshe Schreiber (also known as Rabbi Moshe Sofer), an oft-quoted halachist and Torah commentator who served as rabbi of Bratislava (Pressburg).

With his 180th yartzeit recently being marked, the rabbis davened and then offered a pledge to continue with the life work of the Chasam Sofer, who was known for his valiant battle against the Maskilim (the enlightenment movement) and to increase Jewish activity among the younger members of the Jewish communities where they serve.

The course culminated with a special evening at the ancient shul in Bratislava-Pressburg, attended by the leaders of the Jewish community, Mayor Matúš Vallo and Israel’s Ambassador to Slovakia ​Boaz Modai.

This year marks 20 years since the establishment of the Rabbinical Center of Europe. The Brussels based center will hold a convention during the month of Adar in Paris, France. Hundreds of European rabbis are expected to attend, along with prominent guests from Israel and Europe.