Difference between revisions of "Frequently Asked Questions"

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(Why is there a movement to re-establish the Sanhedrin?)
(Why is there a movement to re-establish the Sanhedrin?)
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# Peace in the Middle East: Jewish Law provides a wide variety of views on the relations between Jews and non-Jews. It is possible that by exploring these traditional views, some of which differ significantly from what has been referred to as "Zionism", new approaches to the Arab-Israeli can be attempted.
 
# Peace in the Middle East: Jewish Law provides a wide variety of views on the relations between Jews and non-Jews. It is possible that by exploring these traditional views, some of which differ significantly from what has been referred to as "Zionism", new approaches to the Arab-Israeli can be attempted.
  
The effort to re-establish the Sanhedrin reflects an attempt to revive a culture and method of governance, to give life to "dry bones", (not unlike the creation of the Jewish State over half a century ago).  It is an effort to turn a theoretical construct into a modern, functioning legislature.
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The effort to re-establish the Sanhedrin reflects an attempt to revive a culture and method of governance.  It is an effort to turn a theoretical construct into a modern, functioning legislature.
  
 
==Is your Sanhedrin the official one that Jews generally recognize?==
 
==Is your Sanhedrin the official one that Jews generally recognize?==

Revision as of 11:01, 12 May 2008

Why is there a movement to re-establish the Sanhedrin?

  1. The primary reason why the Sanhedrin is being re-established is because it is required by Jewish Law, and there is no political, social or religious obstacle to re-establishing it at this time.
  2. In some ways it is a direct reaction to the perceived secularization of the Jewish State, or at least the apparent importing of principles of governance that are foreign to Judaism, and are thought by many to oppose Judaism's world view and native culture.
  3. Jewish Law was originally designed to encompass every aspect of running a nation. Jewish jurisprudence had significant influence on the formation of Western governments. There are Rabbis who are involved with the Sanhedrin in order to have the opportunity to inject new life into and broaden the application of what has become largely theoretical constructs.
  4. Jewish Unity: One possible result of the above point is that if Judaism, Jewish Law and Jewish perspectives on law and culture could be broadened to include social welfare, social causes, art, music, and other aspects of culture that currently may not be viewed as "religious" concerns, then it is possible that rifts between unaffiliated, Reform, Conservative, Traditional and Orthodox may begin to be bridged. The establishment of a Sanhedrin court makes discussion and resolution of issues much easier, and opens up many exciting possibilities.
  5. Peace in the Middle East: Jewish Law provides a wide variety of views on the relations between Jews and non-Jews. It is possible that by exploring these traditional views, some of which differ significantly from what has been referred to as "Zionism", new approaches to the Arab-Israeli can be attempted.

The effort to re-establish the Sanhedrin reflects an attempt to revive a culture and method of governance. It is an effort to turn a theoretical construct into a modern, functioning legislature.

Is your Sanhedrin the official one that Jews generally recognize?

The nascent Sanhedrin is still in formation. It has been out of existence for 1600 years, and there are many issues that still must be worked out.

Who is the highest ranking Rabbi in Israel? And is he part of your organization?

There are several. Each community has its own highest ranking halachic authority. None of these are yet members of the Sanhedrin.

The organizers of the nascent Sanhedrin sought out and received advice and guidance from the spiritual leaders of our generation in various aspects of forming the current "placeholder" Sanhedrin. Current members of the nascent Sanhedrin continue to seek out the legal advice from greatest halachic leaders in Israel before making decisions. Many have answered questions, given guidance and lent their support to organization. In general they have adopted a "wait and see" attitude to see how the effort develops over time before they are willing to become members of the court.

Are there 71 or 72 members in the Sanhedrin?

Exodus 24:1,9; Numbers 11:16,24-25 says that 70 elders we gathered with Moses. That makes 71. Ptolemy Philadelphus requested that Jerusalem send 72 elders, six from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, to translate the Bible to Greek. This Greek "Sanhedrin" may have been meant to supersede the 71, but it was never recognized by Jewish law. In general Rabbinical writings state there were 71 members of the Sanhedrin. Greek sources say there were 72.

What is required before Animal Sacrifices are resumed? Do you expect this anytime soon?

According to Jewish Law, there are various requirements before animal sacrifices can be performed as required by Scripture. For the Passover sacrifice, knowledge of the location of the Altar, a Priest of documented lineage, and permission to perform sacrifices from the authorities (it is not permitted to perform sacrifices by force) are required. After much research over the last twenty years, the first two issues have been satisfactory resolved. One should not that to perform the Passover Sacrifice it is not necessary to build a Temple structure or enter any Islamic mosque, and only takes a few minutes, so it is conceivable that permission to perform sacrifices could be granted by the government authorities. For various political reasons concerning sovereignty of Temple Mount there are arguments within the government both for and against allowing scriptural sacrifices. Depending on events in world politics, it is possible that permission could be granted at a moments notice.

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