Considering that an official declaration, one way or the other, by the Sanhedrin could possibly greatly influence the upcoming Israeli elections, the following may be of considerable import:
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The Sanhedrin's Declaration Concerning the
upcoming State Elections
The Special Court
For Matters Concerning The Nation and the State
under the Auspices of the Sanhedrin
The nascent Sanhedrin, under the leadership of Rabbi Adin Steinzaltz, will hold a one day conference and discussion in the legislative body at which all members are present, titled "Elections and Liberty". It will be held in the Har Nof neighborhood of the Capital, next Tuesday, the twenty first of the month of Adar, 5766 (March 21, 2006).
The assembly will be convened to address the following questions:
1. Is it correct to vote in the elections according to halacha (Jewish Law)
2. If accepted, which candidate(s) are approved by the court
The decisions of the legislature will be announced on this website.
During the course of the assembly, it is expected that the Rabbonim will relate to the events that preceded the elections, and the constraints that caused the elections to be held not in their proper time. The Rabbonim will also relate to the fundamental conditions for the establishment of a lasting Jewish State in our time.
The spokesman, Rabbi Professor Hillel Weiss, explained that the significance of the title "Elections and Liberty" is the result of the insight of our sages: "Do not read chorus - engraving of the Tablets (a play on the word 'elections') , but rather the cheirus - Liberty of the Tablets." (Shemos Rabbah 32:1 on Exodus 34:1) "The Torah that was given at Mount Sinai, is the only possession the Children of Israel has, which will give us underlying freedom from those who seek to destroy us."1
Invitation to the Public: "Elections and Liberty"
The nascent Sanhedrin is holding a morning session a one day conference and discussion entitled "Elections and Liberty". It will be held, G-d willing, next Tuesday, the twenty first of the month of Adar, 5766 (March 21, 2006). Location: Hai Taib 22, Har Nof, Jerusalem. Lunch will be served, cost 50 shequals, must be reserved in advance at telephone 050-2007099. For further information call 02-5661962 or 050-8221537, or write "Beis Din of 71", Rachel Imanu 47, Jerusalem, 93228, or email infobeith-din.com.
Public attendance: located in the Ezras Nashim.
9:30 Registration and light refreshment: Speaker Prof. Hillel Weiss.
10:00 From where will come hope? Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, Temple Institute
10:30 Analyzing the Democratic Crisis: Prof. Yisrael Honokglo
11:00 Advantage of the Jewish court in decisions of nationalism: Rabbi Yair Frank, Rav of Amona
11:30 Torah of Truth was given to us: Rabbi Yaakov Peretz
12:00 Public behavior at a time like this according to halacha Jewish Law: Rabbi Adin Steinzaltz
12:30-13:30 Luncheon
Speakers
Rabbi Nachman Kahane - Chancellor
Rabbi Yoel Schwartz - Vice Chancellor
Rabbi Dov Levnoni - One of the founders of the Sanhedrin
13:30 Mincha
13:45 In defense of the policy and its examination: Prof. Arieh Eldad
14:00-18:00 Legislative Assembly of the Sanhedrin (not open to the public)
Halachic matters to be discussed
a. Voting - forbidden or permitted, allowed, mitzvah or obligation?
b. If accepted - what are the criterion and considerations for voting
Opening words: Rabbi Shimshon Elboim
Open floor: Members of the Sanhedrin
Legislative vote: Directed by Rabbi Dov Stein
Concluding words: Rabbi Adin Steinzaltz
Public Briefing: Rabbi Yisrael Ariel
Press Briefing: Prof. Hillel Weiss
Maariv
Click here to see the Hebrew Invitation: "Elections or Liberty" (pdf)
1. More information on the Torah concept of Liberty, unrelated to the nascent Sanhedrin, written by Rav Meir Chodosh zt'l. The former Mashgiach of Yeshivas Hebron, Yeshivas Ateres Yisroel, and Yeshivas Or Elchonon can be found at the link above.
http://www.thesanhedrin.org/en/press/elections.html