Leaf (two written pages, two columns per page – approx. 150 lines) handwritten by R. Moshe Sofer, author of Chatam Sofer – novellae on Megillat Ruth and Parashat Nasso. [Mattersdorf (Mattersburg), 1800].
A handwritten leaf out of the notebook of Aggadic novellae written by the Chatam Sofer in Mattersdorf in 1799-1802.
As far as is known, the notebook written in Mattersdorf was the first notebook dedicated by the Chatam Sofer to the recording of his Aggadic novellae. Unlike most of his manuscripts, the novellae in that notebook (and in the present leaf) were written in two columns, presumably owing to the Chatam Sofer's wish to present his novellae in an elegant, neat fashion.
Amongst the manuscripts of the Chatam Sofer in possession of his son, the Michtav Sofer, that notebook was ascribed particular significance, and it would accompany him on all his travels, as a segulah for success (reputedly, he would travel often to Vienna to lobby on behalf of his Jewish brethren at the Austrian parliament). See enclosed expert report.
This leaf contains seven passages relating to Megillat Ruth, followed by a passage on Parashat Nasso. The passages on Megillat Ruth were published in Derashot Chatam Sofer, II, pp. 297-303, and are dated there 1800. The passage on Parashat Nasso was published in Chatam Sofer al HaTorah, and is also dated there 1800.
In one of the passages on Megillat Ruth, the Chatam Sofer discusses the topic of Mashiach, concluding: "On the night of 17th Tammuz, the standard of David began to flourish, since G-d heals before He hits, likewise, Mashiach was born on Tisha B'Av, as is well-known".
[1] leaf (two written pages; two columns per page - approx. 150 autograph lines). 24 cm. Good condition. Stains. Minor marginal wear.
Expert report enclosed.