(Pioneer of Reform Judaism in Hungary, 1766-1844)
AUCTION 32 |
Thursday, March 23rd,
2006 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Autographed Letters, Manuscripts, Graphics and Ceremonial Art
Lot 219
CHORIN(ER), AARON
(Pioneer of Reform Judaism in Hungary, 1766-1844)
Arad: 9th Iyar 1831
Est: $500 - $700
PRICE REALIZED $700
Aaron Chorin served as Chief Rabbi of Arad, Rumania. An early advocate of synagogue reform, he spearheaded changes to the synagogue liturgy. He also allowed prayer in the vernacular and with an uncovered head, and approved the use of the organ on the Sabbath. If that were not enough, he curtailed the seven days of mourning and permitted riding and writing on the Sabbath. In Orthodox circles, Choriner was contemptuously known by the acronym “Acher” (Aaron Chorin Rabbi), the nickname of the infamous heretic, Elisha ben Abuyah.
Here, he asks Abeli Landau to copy his discourse and to show it to the scholars of Landau’s acquaintance. “Please return it to me as I have not made a copy. You can obtain the expenses for the ‘Post porto’ from the sale of my book Tzir Ne’eman”