Frequently Asked Questions

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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, 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.