Sanhedrin facts for kids
The Sanhedrin was a special group of judges. They helped lead the Jewish people in every city in the Land of Israel. Their name comes from Greek and means "council" or "assembly." Each Sanhedrin had between twenty-three and seventy-one judges. The Hebrew Bible says that God told Moses and the Israelites to create these councils of judges. People were supposed to follow their decisions.
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What Was the Sanhedrin?
The Sanhedrin was like a high court or a governing council. It helped make important decisions for the Jewish communities. These judges made sure people followed the laws and traditions. They played a big part in how Jewish society was run.
The Great Sanhedrin
The most important Sanhedrin was called the Great Sanhedrin. It was located in Jerusalem. This main council guided all the other smaller councils. It met almost every day, except on holidays and Shabbat.
Changes Over Time
After the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Great Sanhedrin had to move. It moved to a region called Galilee. The Great Sanhedrin made its very last law in the year 358 CE. This law changed the way the Hebrew calendar was set up.
Why the Sanhedrin Stopped
The Great Sanhedrin eventually stopped meeting. This happened because of persecution, which means people were being treated unfairly or attacked for their beliefs. It became too dangerous for them to continue their work.
Trying to Bring it Back
Over time, some people have tried to bring the Sanhedrin back. One famous person who tried was Napoleon Bonaparte. However, these attempts have not been successful so far. The Sanhedrin remains a part of ancient Jewish history.
Images for kids
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The Sanhedrin, from an 1883 encyclopedia
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Medallion struck in honor of the "Grand Sanhedrin" convened by Emperor Napoleon I of France.
See also
In Spanish: Sanedrín para niños
