Reestablished Sanhedrin Convenes to Discuss Temple
19:28 Feb 09, '05 / 30 Shevat 5765

The re-established "Sanhedrin" convened to hold its monthly meeting
this week, with the question of the Holy Temple's precise location 
the main topic on the agenda.

The recently re-established Sanhedrin - ideally, Judaism's top legal
assembly - of 71 rabbis and scholars also moved to solidify logistical
aspects of the body.

The Sanhedrin heard expert testimony on the various opinions as to the
exact part of the Temple Mount upon which the Holy Temple stood. The
fact that there has never been an archaeological expedition or dig on
the Temple Mount, coupled with continuous Muslim efforts to destroy
historical evidence of the Holy Temple at the site, have made
determining the exact location difficult.

Identifying the spot on which the Temple stood is a matter of
controversy among scholars, and has serious ramifications for those
wishing to visit the Temple Mount. It is also critical for the renewal
of the Passover sacrifice, and ultimately for the building of the
third and final Holy Temple. While numerous opinions have been
expressed throughout the years, and while several of them were
expressed at the Sanhedrin gathering this week, the two main opinions
state that the Temple stood either on the spot currently occupied by
the gold-topped Dome of the Rock, or just to the north of that spot.
An opinion that the Temple stood south of that spot, approximately
behind the present-day Western Wall, was also presented - though most
scholars basically discount it.

The opinion that it is impossible to determine the site of the Temple
without prophecy was also presented.

(snip)

Richman also said that it was heartening to see that despite talk of
withdrawal from parts of the Land of Israel, and despite Prime
Minister Sharon's declaration that Israel has "given up its dreams,"
the Sanhedrin continues to move toward strengthening the nation of
Israel. "As all these things happen all around us," Rabbi Richman
said, "the Sanhedrin is researching ways to renew the deepest roots of
our faith - to renew Temple service, reunite Jewish legal tradition
and inspire the Jewish people to aspire to greatness. Our people have
one path before us, and we will continue to march toward our destiny."

(snip)

Full article at IsraelNationalNews ....
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=76624

Cheers, Steve..

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