Rambam's Apparent Contradiction Regarding Nezir Shimshon and Hatfasah

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Leib

Description

The Chasam Sofer resolves the apparent contradiction in the Rambam between requiring hatfasah b'davar ha-nadur (Hilchos Nedarim) and ruling that Shimshon's angel-imposed nezirus serves as a valid basis for such hatfasah (Hilchos Nezirus). He argues that the Rambam follows R' Yehudah, who rejects Shimon HaTzadik's restrictive view that a Nazir is inherently a sinner, thereby freeing the verse 'lehazir la-Hashem' to include Nezir Shimshon as a valid davar ha-nadur. Furthermore, Shimon HaTzadik's position constitutes a minority shitah, and the halacha does not follow a shitah.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §219

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