Sanctity of Jerusalem, Standing Before Elders, and Lag BaOmer Bonfires

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Amram

Description

The Chasam Sofer affirms that the sanctity of the Temple Mount and Jerusalem is eternal and never nullified, following the Rambam, and offers a novel explanation distinguishing Yehoshua's conquest-sanctification from Ezra's enduring chazakah-sanctification. He rejects the Pri Megadim's interpretation of the Rif regarding the obligation to stand before elders, preferring the Ran's reading, and concludes that residents of Jerusalem have priority in receiving tzedakah. He expresses personal ambivalence about the Lag BaOmer bonfire practice while acknowledging its good intentions.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §233

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