A decision to support the domand of Orthodox elements in Israel for reconstitution of the Sanhedrin, the ancient supreme religious authority which existed in Israel until the dispersal of the Jews about 2,000 years ago, was adopted here today at a national conference of Mizrachi rabbis. The conference also decided to start preparations for the reestablishment of the Sanhedrin.
Rabbi J.L. Maimen, Israel’s Minister of Religion, addressing the conference, advanced a number of arguments for the revival of the Sanhedrin. He also revealed that the Agudas Israel, extreme Orthodox organization, demanded the right for itself to establish rabbinical courts. He added that as Minister of Religion he strongly opposed this demand on the ground that if such rights are granted to the Agudah other groups may request similar rights.
“A multiplicity of separate rabbinical courts cannot benefit Israel,” the Minister said. “The separate Ashkenazi and Sephardic court system which the rabbinate maintains in Israel is sufficient,” he stated.
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