Handwritten & Autographed Letter by Rabbi Eliezer Zussman-Sofer Concerning Building a Mikveh with A Pump
Paks, 1890
Maharam Ash’s miracle!
A handwritten and autographed letter by Rabbi Eliezer Zussman-Sofer, Av Beis Din of Paks and author of ‘Yalkut Eliezer’, to “My son the Rabbi and great luminary" Rabbi Yosef Leib Sofer, author of ‘Yalkut Sofer’, regarding the construction of mikvaos.
In this letter, the Yalkut Eliezer discusses the halachic implications of building a mikveh taharah whose waters are drawn with a pump. This topic has been the subject of vigorous debate among the Achronim since the invention of the pump, with the discussion continuing until this very day. Maharam Ash was the first to prohibit use of a mikveh fashioned by a pump, and in the present letter, Rabbi Eliezer Zussman-Sofer recounts a chilling story describing how divine approval was given to the ruling of the Imrei Eish:
“I was alarmed to see that there are opinions that permit creating a mikveh by use of a plompa (pump), heaven forbid! I have never heard of a mikveh made like this. Yet one time, a Rav and scholar from the city of Pupa wished to do this, but the gaon Imrei Eish z”l differed from him, as is printed in his teshuvah [see Yoreh Deah Ch. 86]. And I heard that it was not done for the reason that the mikveh collapsed, and it seems that this was a clear sign from Heaven validating the prohibition.”
Further on in the letter, Rabbi Eliezer Zussman Sofer delivers instructions regarding the ideal method of constructing a mikveh taharah and concludes, “And Hashem Yisborach will help and purify the house of Israel.”
Rabbi Eliezer Zussman Sofer (1825-1903) was Av Beis Din of Paks and author of ‘Yalkut Eliezer’ and other famous sefarim. A venerable Hungarian sage and disciple of the Chasam Sofer, he was born in Pressburg and was circumcised by the Chasam Sofer who also taught him in his youth. After the Chasam Sofer’s passing, he proceeded to learn and gain Torah wisdom from his son the Ksav Sofer, and Maharam Schick. He succeeded his father-in-law as Rav and Beis Din of Paks, Hungary, filling this noteworthy position until his passing in 1903. He authored the 3-volume ‘Yalkut Eliezer’, ‘Sefer Hamakneh’ and others.
Paks, 1890. Page Size: 17×21 cm. Double-sided letter, in his sacred handwriting and signature.
Condition: Good. Printed in ‘Mizkeret Paks’ Vol. 2 p. 119a
The Zussman-Sofer Dynasty
“The illustrious Sofer family are oustanding Rabbanim throughout the land of Hungary.”
(Admor of Shinova in his foreword to Yalkut Sofer)
