Validity of Disputed Kiddushin: Ring, Consent, Witnesses, and Ownership

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Unknown recipient

Description

This document is a formal record of testimony collection (geviyas eidus) concerning an alleged betrothal between Shlomo Reiter and Malka, not a conventional responsum. The witnesses gave contradictory accounts on every essential element of kiddushin — whether the ring was placed on Malka's finger or held jointly, whether she consented, whether Shlomo owned the ring, and whether the witnesses were valid — with additional testimony impugning the character of one witness. The evidentiary record served as the factual basis for a subsequent halachic ruling.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer EH I §83

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