Proportional Allocation of Estate Debts Between Muchzak and Ra'ui for Bechor

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Meir

Description

When an estate contains both muchzak (tangible assets) and ra'ui (outstanding debts owed to the estate), the Chasam Sofer rules that all estate obligations — including the widow's kesubah and daughters' maintenance — must be paid proportionally from both categories. This protects the bechor's Biblically-mandated double portion in the muchzak from being unfairly diminished, in agreement with the Noda BiYehudah's second collection and through independent reasoning.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer CM §149

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