Why Isn't a New Sanhedrin Created Today?

1. Why wasn't a complete version of the Babylonian Talmud written in Hebrew only?

2. It is possible to establish a council of sages that would deliberate for as long as necessary to consolidate only agreed-upon interpretations, under an "Israeli Talmud."

3. Why is there a need to teach our sacred Torah using a language that is not the language of the Torah, Hebrew, thus making the study of the Torah much more challenging?

4. I am taking my first steps in the world of Torah learning, and I know that these questions have been asked and answered before, but it doesn't necessarily mean my questions lack purpose or foundation.

Praying to Hashem for a complete answer

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Greetings,

1. The Babylonian Talmud was written in Babylonia, where Aramaic was the common language, and thus the Hebrew-Talmudic language consists partially of Aramaic and Hebrew. This was the language of the sages, the Amoraim, for 500 years until the Talmud was written. It has been preserved in the Jewish people over generations, representing those who seek to understand Chazal in their original words. It is important to see Chazal's words in their original language to accurately absorb their wisdom and choose the right interpretation for our understanding. However, today, it is possible to find explanations in simple Hebrew for the entire Babylonian Talmud, known as the "Talmud in the Schottenstein Edition".

(Photo: Nati Shohat / Flash 90)

2. To create a Sanhedrin institution, authority from sages is required. Unfortunately, the authority of the sages that existed from the time of Moshe Rabbeinu ended with the destruction of the Second Temple. We do not have rabbis today who can establish a Sanhedrin, and so we await the coming of the Messiah, praying "restore our judges as in former times." With the coming of redemption, the Sanhedrin will also be reestablished. Today, brilliant rabbis decide and discuss halachot for the general public and reach halachic agreements on what is required from us in recent generations. They are known as the greats of the generation, like Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory..

3. This language has been taught to Jewish children for thousands of years in cheder, and they understand it very easily. However, the secular Israeli youth has been disconnected from their Tannaic and Amoraic history, so they are not currently trained to study the Gemara. Therefore, there are Torah lessons and books with interpretations of the Gemara in simpler Hebrew for our generation.

Moreover, today rabbis teach Torah lessons on the entire Talmud in simple and easy Hebrew to the public, and they conduct lessons in synagogues and study halls throughout the country on the "Daf Yomi," explaining the Gemara to all levels and sectors of the population, in simple and easy Hebrew. Thus, access to Torah is more available today than ever, and anyone who wishes to study can do so.

4. Well done on your progress toward the world of Torah. With Hashem's help, you will be strengthened and succeed. You are invited to call the strengthening line and receive personal guidance on the topic: 03-6106061
Blessings,
Daniel Belles