Segulos of the Chasam Sofer

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

It is called, “Segulos haSofer” and it is published by a Machon associated with London’s Etz Chaim Yeshiva.  It lists twelve chapters of Segulos culled from the writings of the Chasam Sofer and his students.  It was published some four years ago.

Of course, the main segulah is to daven to Hashem, to increase kavanah and to place extra care in the performance of His Mitzvos.  This must never be forgotten.  Nonetheless, if the Chasam Sofer mentions it – it must be something special.

Rav Moshe Sofer zt”l, also known as the Chasam Sofer (1762-1839), was a leading gadol in his generation, the Rav of the city of Pressburg, a teacher to tens of thousands, and a staunch opponent of Reform Jewry.  He also established a Yeshiva that still continues to this day, although it has been relocated to Yerushalayim.  The Chasam Sofer was also a remarkably prolific writer, whose novella on Shas, Chumash and responsa are still used and very relevant to this day.

His drashos and insights on Chumash are filled with Segulos as well.  Each of the Segulos mentioned below are sourced at the bottom of the Sefer.  They are mentioned here both to educate and to spark interest in the Sefer.  Inquiries should be made at bookstores as to how to find it (not to the reviewer).

ILLNESS

Was someone very ill and was saved from a great danger?  He should immerse himself completely in tractate Krisus and Tmurah (p.48).  Another possible Segulah for someone to receive a Refuah is to be careful in the recitation of Kiddush Levana (p.39).

Is someone ill and you want your Tefilos to be more effective?  Daven for him in front of him, but do not mention his name (p.44).

Is someone having a difficult labor?  On page 30 there is a Segulah that if the person who received Maftir on the first day of Rosh haShana visits the house, it will lead to an easier labor.

GROWING

Want to grow in Yiras Shamayim? From the Maharam Bennet zt”l  one should look at the handwritten Torah writings of the Chasam Sofer (p. 68).  According to Rav Yaakov Landau it is effective to increase one’s Ruach haKodesh (p.70).

Do you need to ensure that you are constantly in a state of Simcha, joy?  Learning halachos every day is a Segulah for just that (p. 19).

Need a segulah that your Tefilos be answered more?  Daven next to a great Tzaddik (p.12).  More effectively perhaps is to be from the Mezakei haRabbim – bringing merit to the masses of people (p. 15).

PARNASAH

In need of a Segulah for Parnasah?   The Chasam Sofer recommends a very simple one – making minyan (p. 36).  Also, do not eat until you have learned Torah that day (p.33).  Need a constant flow of sheaf – abundance?  Learn Hilchos Shabbos in depth (p. 34) and daven in a Shul (p. 16).  The best days to pursue Parnasah?  Tuesdays and Wednesdays (p.35).  Oh, and the Mitzvah of Sukkah prepares one for success in all food related ventures (p. 34).

How about help in avoiding strange and apikorsus thoughts?  The Avnei Naizer says to learn the response of the Chasam Sofer (p. 65).  Indeed, the Belzer Rebbe says that each line that one learns in the Chasam Sofer assists in bringing one toward Teshuvah and Yiras Shamayim (p.66).

Want a general Segulah for success?  Recite Tehillim kepitlach 36, 121, 144 (p. 55).

The reviewer can be reached at [email protected]