CHORIN(ER), AARON

(Arad)

1826-29

(Pioneer of Reform Judaism in Hungary, 1766-1844). Collection of four Autograph Letters Signed, in Judeo-German to the communal leaders of Arad concerning personal matters: Requesting a leave of absence for health reasons; appointing Dayanim to perform marriage and adjudicate halachic issues in Choriner’s absence; concerning household expenditures due to be settled; communal arrangements regarding communal administration whilst away in Vienna at a family wedding

R. Aaron Chorin served as Chief Rabbi of Arad, Rumania. He advocated reforms to the synagouge liturgy; changing the text of prayers, abolishing the Kol Nidrei prayer, allowing prayer in the vernacular and with an uncovered head, and approving the use of the organ on the Sabbath. He also 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 Chaim Rabbi) - the name applied to the infamous Tanaic heretic, Elisha ben Abuyah after his apostasy. See: EJ, V col.495-6