Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld

Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld

Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1848–1932) was a prominent Orthodox Jewish rabbi and the co-founder and spiritual leader of the Edah HaChareidis, a Haredi community in Jerusalem. He is remembered for his staunch opposition to Zionism and for his efforts to maintain a strictly Orthodox Jewish lifestyle among the inhabitants of Jerusalem during a time of significant change.

Biography

Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld was born in 1848 in the town of Pressburg (now Bratislava, Slovakia), then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He was a disciple of Rabbi Samuel Benjamin Sofer, who was a prominent figure in the Pressburg Yeshiva and a leading authority in Orthodox Judaism. In 1873, Sonnenfeld emigrated to Ottoman-controlled Palestine and settled in Jerusalem, where he would become a leading figure in the city's Jewish community.

Throughout his life, Sonnenfeld was involved in numerous communal affairs, including education, charity, and the establishment of institutions that would ensure the adherence to Orthodox Jewish practices. His leadership was characterized by a strong commitment to the Halacha (Jewish law) and a fervent opposition to any secular or non-Orthodox influences within the Jewish community.

Edah HaChareidis

In 1919, Sonnenfeld co-founded the Edah HaChareidis, an umbrella organization for various Haredi communities in Jerusalem. The Edah HaChareidis was established as a counterbalance to the growing influence of the Zionist movement, which Sonnenfeld and his followers viewed as a secular attempt to redefine the Jewish identity in nationalistic terms, rather than religious ones. Under his guidance, the Edah HaChareidis became a significant force in Jerusalem, advocating for the preservation of traditional Jewish life and law.

Opposition to Zionism

Sonnenfeld's opposition to Zionism was rooted in his belief that the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel should only occur with the coming of the Messiah. He argued that any attempt to establish a Jewish state through secular means was contrary to Jewish law and tradition. This stance put him at odds with many Zionist leaders of the time, including Theodor Herzl, with whom he had several public disagreements.

Despite his opposition to Zionism, Sonnenfeld was deeply committed to the welfare of all Jews in Palestine, regardless of their ideological affiliations. He was known for his efforts to assist Jewish immigrants and for his work in promoting peace and understanding between Jews and Arabs.

Legacy

Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld passed away in 1932, leaving behind a legacy of devout religious observance and community leadership. His teachings and approach to Jewish life continue to influence the Haredi community in Jerusalem and beyond. The Yosef Chaim Street in Jerusalem's Old City is named in his honor, serving as a lasting tribute to his contributions to Jewish life in the city.

Sonnenfeld's life and work are commemorated by the many institutions he helped establish, which continue to operate according to his principles. His staunch opposition to secularism and his dedication to the preservation of Orthodox Jewish traditions have made him a revered figure among Haredi Jews worldwide.