DECLARATION OF THE SANHEDRIN – MARCH 9, 2005 (Followed by a report on June 8, 2005, of the election of the leader of the Sanhedrin and comments on the history of the Sanhedrin). 

 

Dear friends and family:  There are some phenomenal things happening now, as we prepare for the coming of the Messiah of Israel.  There have been 2 major archeological discoveries, one in the Tiberius area, and one in Jerusalem regarding the ancient seat of the Sanhedrin.  There has not been a group of the Sanhedrin formed for about 1600 years or more.  

Recently a Sanhedrin has formed in Jerusalem, as part of the restorative process of Yahuweh, Elohim of Israel, who through the Apostle Shimon Kepha (Peter) in Acts 3:19-21, speaking of Messiah Yahushua: “Whom the heavens must receive until the times of the restitution of all things, which Elohim has spoken by the mouth of all His set-apart Prophets since the world began”.

We know, along with the Orthodox Jews, that Messiah ben David is coming, because of all the restorations of His Torah that are taking place now.

These men that have formed the restored Sanhedrin are brilliant people—Torah-observant, educated, well-known and influential people, as those 71 on the ancient Sanhedrin were.  The Sanhedrin were a group of men who worked with the High Priest to bring right rulings to the nation.  To them was assigned the responsibility to make decisions that affected the whole nation.  The Sanhedrin is the group that decided to send Yahushua to the Romans for nailing to the stake.  The Word says that they thought it best for the nation.   John 11:45-52

Not long ago, for the first time in almost 1,600 years, the Sanhedrin, as a legal body, went up on the Temple Mount.  In fact, it was around the time that a Jewish couple and their Rabbi secretly went up there and the first wedding in almost 2,000 years was performed on the Mount.  Wow, were the Arabs mad!  But, they did it, and went down to cheering crowds below by the Western Wall. 

This declaration (below) of the restored Sanhedrin is highly significant, because not only has a new Sanhedrin (mentioned in the Word as “the Council) formed but are making statements for the Jewish people.  And, these statements are correct. This is chilling to me, because we know from the Scriptures that in the Kingdom the order of Torah and right-rulings of Jewish elders will be reestablished by the Messiah.  If you read the e-mail article I sent to the Bridal remnant, He is now asking His Bride, “Do you want to come home?”  He’s asking, if we are ready for the Bridegroom to come to get us and take us to Mt. Tziyon (Zion, correctly pronounced:  Zee-own). 

No!  The misnamed "Old Testament" is not just about history--the second coming of Messiah is in Deuteronomy and the prophecies about the 12 tribes are in Genesis, "in the latter years".  Prophecies yet unfulfilled are in Genesis, Leviticus and other books of the "Old Testament".  It is not Old, but eternally relevant! It is the right-rulings, teachings and instructions of the Kingdom of Heaven. This declaration of the Sanhedrin, though not received by the secular state of Israel, should be noted by those who are looking for the Kingdom of Messiah on earth, Torah-observant Jews, and 1st century-type Torah observant believers in the Messiah.  Though the organization of the Sanhedrin has its roots in Greece, still it is the restoration of the last ruling system of Israel.  Their decisions, right or wrong, will have great influence on the religious Jews.  So, we need to pray for the members of the Sanhedrin!    We are living in very exciting times! 

Shabbat Shalom,

Yedidah

 

The Declaration of the Sanhedrin regarding Disengagement from Gaza

March 9, 2005

Since its meeting on 28th Shvat 5765, the Sanhedrin has deliberated the initiative of the Prime Minister of Israel, the decisions of the government, and legislation enacted by the Knesset regarding the plan known as "The Disengagement," henceforth referred to in this document as "the uprooting."  This plan involves the uprooting of Jewish communities in the Gaza strip and northern Samaria, the forced expulsion of Jews from their homes, and the willful transfer of these lands to a foreign power.

 

Following an intensive study, which took place regarding the halachic (authentic Jewish law) questions that arise from the government's decision, the Sanhedrin hereby brings its conclusions and decisions to the public's attention.

 

1). The Prime Minister's program of uprooting stands in direct contradiction to the Torah of Israel.

 

2). The decision to implement the uprooting will cause large numbers of Jews to transgress many of the Torah's commandments.

 

3). The Government of Israel and the Knesset, in their present form and power structure, do not constitute institutions that have any authority according to halacha, and have no power to render decisions that contradict the Torah of Israel.

 

4). Government ministers who have deemed this plan of uprooting to be wrongful have been removed from their positions, and likewise senior officials of the security establishment who have expressed independent opinions about the matter have been ousted.

 

5). THEREFORE, the decision of this government - which has also violated its promises to its own electorate - is null and void.

 

6). THUS: No Jew is permitted to cooperate with the program of uprooting, in any way whatsoever.

 

7). Any Jew - including a soldier or policeman - who supports the uprooting, whether directly or indirectly, whether by voting in its favor, or by giving council, or by supplying vehicles or materials, and obviously, anyone who actively

participates in the uprooting by so doing, transgresses a large number of Torah commandments.

 

8). The uprooting of the residents of the Gaza Strip and Samaria is a crime, and an injustice to the residents, and places many other communities - in fact, all citizens of the State of Israel - in mortal danger.

 

9). Any Jew who participates in, or cooperates with this plan, whether actively, or even by merely remaining silent, transgresses the commandment "You shall not stand idly by your neighbor's blood (Lev. 19:17)," and in the future will be judged by G-d for this sin.

 

10). The leaders and their agents -- including soldiers and policemen who support the uprooting and participate in it - may be brought to bear personal responsibility for all damages caused to those who are hurt, and to their property.

 

11). By this declaration, the Sanhedrin, as the link of continuity of the Torah received by Moses at Sinai, hereby expresses the stance of Israel's Torah. For if, Heaven forbid, the present government carries out this, or some other, program of uprooting - this action has no validity. The Land of Israel is holy land, and all of its regions belong exclusively to the nation of Israel, forever.  

 

12). The Sanhedrin, as the representative of the Jewish people throughout history, hereby affirms that the Jewish people, regardless of this or that government, does not relinquish, and is not entitled to relinquish, so much as the span of a solitary man's foot of the Land of Israel according to its Biblical boundaries for it is G-d's land.

 

13). The commandment to "inherit and dwell" (Deut. 12:29) in the Land of Israel is obligatory upon every Israeli government. In this regard Israel is commanded by G-d to conquer the entire expanse of the Land of Israel within its Biblical boundaries, including the Gaza strip.

 

14). THEREFORE: Even if (Heaven forbid) the residents are forcibly removed from their homes-when the government changes, and a government in Israel arises that conducts itself according to the Torah, the armies of Israel will return and re-conquer this strip of land, to reinstate the people of Israel to their rightful place. This applies not only to this area but to all the expanses of the Land of Israel that were stolen and are presently in foreign hands.

 

15). We are permeated with faith in the G-d of the Legions of Israel, that the oath which He swore to our forefather Abraham at the "Covenant Between the Halves" will be fulfilled precisely as it is stated, and with G-d's help, speedily,

as it is written (Gen. 15:18):   "On that day the L-rd made a covenant with Avram, saying, to your seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates river."

----

FROM LEKAREV REPORT OF JUNE 8, 2005

 

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz Elected to Head Sanhedrin   

           

In a gathering less publicized than the Jerusalem Day Parade, another historic event happened in the Holy City yesterday. The reestablished Sanhedrin convened in Jerusalem to choose a Nassi (leader). The court of 71 rabbis decided to select of a group of seven individuals within the Sanhedrin to represent the institution in dealings with the public and with Gedolei Yisrael, recognized spiritual leaders of Israel.

The Sanhedrin was reestablished last October in Tiberias, the place of its last meeting 1,600 years ago. Since then, it has met in Jerusalem on a monthly basis, various committees meeting more often to discuss issues ranging from determining the exact location of the Holy Temple, to the establishment of courts of non-Jews who accept the Seven Laws of Noah and to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to uproot the Jewish communities of Gaza and northern Samaria.

Rabbi Adin Even-Israel (Steinsaltz) received the most votes of confidence in his ability to lead the Sanhedrin through the next stage of its development. Rabbi Steinsaltz is regarded as one of the world's leading scholars and rabbis. Newsweek magazine said of the Nassi-elect: "Jewish lore is filled with tales of formidable rabbis. Probably none living today can compare in genius and influence to Adin Steinsaltz, whose extraordinary gifts as scholar, teacher, scientist, writer, mystic and social critic have attracted disciples from all factions of Israeli society."

Rabbi Steinsaltz was reluctant to accept the position of Nassi, saying there are much wiser and more capable people among the group and among the Jewish people. "The purpose of the Sanhedrin is to bring unity to the nation." Steinsaltz said, speaking about the unique nature of Jerusalem to bring the Jewish people together. Another Sanhedrin member said, "The fact that he is not chasing after the honor of the position is exactly what makes him the best one for the job."

Those currently sitting on the Sanhedrin stress that each one of them assumed their seats on condition that they be prepared to give them up to anyone greater in wisdom who joins. Though the secular world pays little if any attention to the re- establishment of the Sanhedrin, it is of major importance from a biblical and prophetic perspective.

Rabbi Steinsaltz is a prolific writer and his books are available on Amazon.com. For anyone interested, I can readily recommend "Simple Words - Thinking About What Really Matters in Life", "A Guide to Jewish Prayer", "On Being Free", and "Tshuvah - A Guide for the Newly Observant Jew." His writings are clear, easily understood and very practical in their outlook.

 

Some more information on the Sanhedrin from the Word, and from a history of Israel:

 

In Mark 13:55 and 15:1, the Sanhedrin condemned Yahushua as deserving death, and turned Him over to the Romans. 

In John 11:47-53, the Sanhedrin (Pharisees) takes council together to put Yahushua to death “for the nation”.  All decisions for the Jewish people as a “nation” were made by the Sanhedrin and the High Priest.  In Yahushua’s day the High Priest and leaders of the people were also puppets of Rome, and therefore out for themselves totally. 

In Acts 5:17-42, Peter and other Apostles were jailed, beaten, and supernaturally released by an angel.  But, then they were brought before “the council”.  The “Council” was the Sanhedrin.  One of the council was named Gamaliel.  He stood up for the Apostles and the council heeded his advise and released them. 

Acts 4:1-21 – the council reacts to the healing of the man at the “Gate Beautiful”, and Peter boldly proclaims the good news of Messiah to them.

Acts 23:1-11—Paul’s defense before the Council—the Sanhedrin.

 

 

After the edict of Cyrus for the Jews return from Babylon (around 516 BCE), Judea had its own governor -- Zerubbabel.   This governor “would add 150 heads of families—`the elders’--, who would one day become the Sanhedrin”.  The History of Israel and Judah In Old Testament Times by Francois Castel p. 151

Page 189, regarding the Hellenistic period of 161-142BCE: “There is reason to think that during this Hellenistic period there was a desire to imitate the organizations of the Greek cities.  If the high priest was leader of the nation, then he should have a council to assist him.  Membership in this council was initially reserved to the priestly families; under Alexandra it became the place for the Pharisees to exercise authority. Their jurisprudence now became law.  At the beginning of the Herodian period the council would become known as the Sanhedrin”. 

By the Pharisees being in power, a time of peace and domestic prosperity followed their ousting of the followers of Alexander Janneus.

Page 195: Hyrcanus and Antipater, an Idumean, joined forces to help Caesar (around 48BCE).  Both were former Pompeians.  Hyrcanus became the High Priest in Judea.  Antipater became the procurator of Judea and a Roman citizen.  He was a rich man and extensive trade passed through the coastal ports.  He was an ally of the Nabateans also. 

Herod was appointed the administrator of the Galilee.  Without seeking advice of the Sanhedrin in Galilee, he executed a Jewish insurgent.  For executing the insurgent:  Page 196: “The Sanhedrin summoned him to appear before them, but Herod, supported by Sextus Caesar, governor of Syria, flouted them and lay siege to Jerusalem without eliciting any intervention from Antipater. 

On page 198, this history tells of the wars and problems of Herod, and that in 37BCE he recaptured Galilee, which he had lost, and also took Jerusalem, and executed 45 men, members of the Sanhedrin.  Herod attempted Hellenisation of Judea.  He was called “Herod the Great”.  Page 204: “He reigned in isolation, massacring his own family and stripping the Sanhedrin of all political authority.  Being deprived of political power, the rabbis turned their energies to a deeper knowledge of Scripture”.   This Herod died in 4BCE.

Herod the Great is the one who massacred the innocents in Matthew’s Gospel.

 

Note: If Herod the Great died in 4BC, then Messiah must have been born either at Sukkot in 3 BCE, since by the time of the fleeing, after the wise men’s visit, he was already “in a house” and probably at least 6 months to a year old.  He was born in Sept. or October.  Therefore, it could have been that He was born at Sukkot in 3BCE.  Miriam, Yoseph and Yahushua were not in Egypt very long.

Page 205: “…the Jews, hostile to the Herodians, sent a delegation to oppose them (the brothers of Herod who were asking to take the place of Herod the Great) to ask for an end to (page 206) their rule and exactions.  These Jews asked to be governed by the high priest and the Sanhedrin”. 

Page 240: “A Jamnia, in the year 90BCE, the Sanhedrin established the canon of the Scriptures.  In fact this canon already existed in part, since the Pentateuch had been given its final form in the fourth century BCE at the latest and the canon of the prophets had been closed in the second century BCE.  But there had still been disagreement about accepting Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs into the canon.  A number of books that were part of the Septuagint were not accepted, since they allowed too much to Hellenistic thinking”. 

In the 2nd century CE:  (page 246): “The Jewish community of Judea was for all practical purposes exterminated.  But under the leadership of Gamaliel II the Sanhedrin were able to migrate to Beth-shearim, west of Nazareth, where excavations have revealed the existence of a synagogue and catacombs.   The Sanhedrin is said to have migrated later on to Sepphoris, south of Nazareth.  There under the leadership of two Pharisees, Simon and in particular Judah Hanassi, the immense task of codifying the traditions was undertaken.  The fruit of this labor was the Mishnah, published by Rabbi Judah the Holy in about 220CE.  This first nucleus was then supplemented by the rabbinical school of Tiberias, under the Palestinian Talmud was completed in about 350CE”. 

 

Notes: The Sanhedrin was a governing body, which was formed after the Babylonian captivity to govern the people.  Now, after about 1600 years of not existing, it is back.  Many things are back—like a Zadok priesthood that is being trained, and can trace their DNA back to Aaron himself. 

These things are part of the restoration of all things, restoring unity and order among the people as what is right by the Torah of Yahuweh in civil affairs of the Land.  We look at Malachi 3:2-3 and see that when Yahushua Messiah comes, He will purify the sons of Levi, that they might offer an offering in righteousness.  The leaders of Israel will return.  David will be the Prince again.  Zerubbabel will be the governor.  There will be the Apostles sitting on thrones, judging the twelve tribes.  Whether there will be a Sanhedrin or not, we don’t know—it is not mentioned in the Word.  Yahushua will be the King of the house of David.

Order will be restored and the Torah will go forth from Jerusalem, with a “rod of iron”.  (Isaiah 2:2-3 and Revelation 2:26-27)

Could the Sanhedrin be used as a voice for Messiah to His people, to direct them to Him as their Redeemer?   I pray so!  It could also be used, however, as a means of rallying the Jews against the Messiah.  But, more than that, since it was established to bring Greek-style organization, as part of the Hellenisation of Judea, it is possible that it is again going to work with Rome, with the one world government’s Caesar, as it did with the Roman puppet high priests and leaders back in the days before Yahushua and after Yahushua.   They could be a re-establishment of the voice of Rome among the people, which would make them mouth pieces for the anti-messiah.  But, since these men are already appearing to stand for what is right for the people according to Torah and Jewish tradition, it might be that they would stand for right ruling.   I sure pray for each of the 71 that many of them, if not all, receive Messiah beforehand or at His coming!  The religious Jews are looking to this group for their grounding. 

Could this be something “allowed” by Yahuweh, as was King Saul, because the people refuse to let Yahuweh rule over them?   By establishing man’s rule, the religious Jews will have people over them who are ruled by the Masonic influence, by Kabalah, by tradition, by the occult, by Gamatria, and mysticism.  Most likely we can assume that most of the people on the newly formed Sanhedrin are not believers in Messiah, nor do they know the Elohim of Israel.  Nor do they understand the “weightier matters of the Torah”.  As in Yahushua’s day, these men most likely do not know the Suffering Servant, therefore, they cannot know Yahuweh. 

As the nation is forced to flee from destruction, a remnant, will have to cry out for Yahuweh’s intervention, and then He will give them the “Son of David”—the good King, the good Shepherd—the Messiah ben David.  Come Yahushua Come!

Yedidah

June 10, 2005