Minimum Size of a Kesem and Validity of Gris Measurement Today

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Unknown recipient

Description

The Chasam Sofer affirms that the original gris measurement for kesamim remains fully in effect despite modern lice being smaller, since the kesamim decree was a formal rabbinic enactment that cannot be altered without a new formal decree. He supports this by developing a comprehensive theory reconciling the Kesef Mishneh, Taz, and Minchas Yaakov on the sefeik sefeika structure underlying the leniency of kesamim, concluding that stains smaller than a gris were never included in the original enactment and remain permitted.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §182

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