Yarzheit 25th Tishrei - Buried in Pressburg - now known as Bratislava - Capital of Slovakia - Slovak Republic.

Reb Moshe Sofer, the Chasam Sofer, Pressburg (1762-1839) (Pressburg is now known as Bratislava), learned under Reb Nosson Adler of Frankfort and Reb Pinchas Halevi Horowitz, the Baal Haflaah . See www.famousrabbis.com/ Chasam Sofer , He was born in Frankfurt Am Mein. His first position was as a Rav in rabbi in Boskovitz in Moravia. He married the daughter of the rov of Prosnitz and was supported by his brother-in-law, Reb Hirsch. Unfortunately, Reb Hirsch eventually lost all his money, and the Chasam Sofer took a position as rov in the Moravian city of Dresnitz. After five years in Dresnitz, Reb Moshe moved to Mattersdorf.

The Chasam Sofer was appointed Rav of Pressburg in Tishrei of 1806, and he occupied that position for 33 years. After the petira of his first wife, Reb Moshe married the daughter of Reb Akiva Eiger. She bore the previously childless Chasam Sofer 7 daughters and 3 sons. Many of the descendants today are called SOFER or SCHREIBER , as the word schreiber is german for writer , sofer the hebrew word for scribe / writer.

His grave is in Pressburg - now known as Bratislava the Capital of Slovakia.

The original cemetery as seen from the photo is on the side on river Danube (Danube is on the left of this photo), but was destroyed by the Nazis; it is now covered over by the road and tram line, the entrance to the underground cemetery / tomb is the "black concrete" in the centre of this photo.

The Remains of Cemetery- with thanks to Slovak Government is sacred and preserved.

The location is next to the "tunnel" of the tram-line and as you can see from the photos protected

Nontheless the whole cemetery is completely covered and underground with the main road and tram line running overhead.

As you can see the number of candles lit; there are always many people visiting and praying.

The Tomb/Ohel is just 10 mins from Bratislava-Vienna Airport, costing about $10 by taxi, or 5 mins from the Bratislava Train station. The key holder is Mr Colman - a kind and sincere man whom is extremely knowledgeable and gives a personal tour, he speaks many languages including English, and is available through contacting slovak heritage or me (i have his mobile-cell phone number).

Our visit in May 2008 was extremely special and we all felt something extra-ordinarily special praying at the Tomb - Ohel of the Unique and Famous Chassam Sofer Z'TL of Blessed Memory. I would well-recommend a visit - if you have any questions or need help / directions / accomodation / hotel info / help please contact/email me.

Here is a photo of the grave as it was 10 years ago, leaning against a wall .

Please also see this website of the slovak heritage for full directions and photos of the Chassam Sofer Grave