Changing Burial Orientation Due to Cemetery Space Limitations

Date: Elul 5595

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Ber

Description

The Chasam Sofer permits the community of Eibeshitz to change burial orientation from head-north/feet-south to head-west/feet-east, arguing both directions are equally valid based on the routes of gilgul mechillos toward Eretz Yisrael. He derives from the Talmud that burial direction is not an absolute requirement and may be adjusted when circumstances demand, preferring ideally that a new gate be opened facing the feet of the newly oriented graves.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §332

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