Organizational structure of the Nascent Sanhedrin

The historical government of the Jewish people involves a bicameral parliamentary system. This includes the Sanhedrin, a deliberative body similar to the upper house or chamber of a legislature, and an ordinary parallel lower house which represents the needs of the population.

a) The Sanhedrin is a "House of Scholars". Unlike some parliamentary systems, members of this upper house are not elected, nor is their position permanent. Any scholar, at any time, may gain a place on the legislature by proving a greater level of scholarship in Jewish Law than a current member of the legislature.

b) At times during Jewish history, a parallel "Congressional Assembly" also existed. Originally it consisted of the royal court of a constitutional monarchy, but in a democratic society it may consist of an assembly of regionally elected representatives. Needs of the population were represented demographically; originally according to feudal strength, but in modern times they would be represented by voting power. The head of the lower house would be the Monarch, Reish Galuta or Prime Minister. He would have the power to collect taxes and would be the head of the executive branch of government. He would be subordinate only to the Sanhedrin.

This ancient bicameral system has had great influence on the organizational structure of many Western European legislatures.

The make-up of the Sanhedrin includes a President - Nasi, Chancellor - Av Beis Din, and sixty-nine general members who all sit in the form of a semi-circle when in session. Decisions are made by majority vote. The constitution of seventy-one is to preclude the possibility of a tie. A minimum quorum of twenty-three Sanhedrin members is necessary for a vote to take place.

Hierarchy of the Sanhedrin Leadership

The heads of the Sanhedrin are as follows:

1 - Rabbi Adin (Even-Israel) Steinzaltz, Nassi (President)
2 - Rabbi Yoel Schwartz, Av Beith Ha-Din (Chancellor)
3 - Rabbi David Bar Hayim, Segan Av Beith Ha-Din (Vice Chancelllor)
4 - Rabbi Boruch Ben Yosef, Secretary

Sub-courts, sub-committees and commissions

Under the authority of Sanhedrin are the following appointed sub-courts Batei Din and sub-committees Vaadot, some functional and others in various stages of development (marked with a *):

1. Special Court for the Executive Oversight of the Sanhedrin (Leadership Council)
This subcourt has weekly management meetings with the participation of members of the Sanhedrin, and functions as a leadership council. This subcourt is generally made up of the most notable members of the current Sanhedrin.

2. Special Court for Matters Concerning the Nation and the State
The purpose of this court is to rule on disputes between citizens and the state.
Chief Justice: Rabbi Yisrael Ariel (Rabbi Ariel also serves as the head of the Machon HaMikdash)

3. Jerusalem Court for Issues of Bnei Noah
The purpose of this court is to rule on the legal aspects of issues concerning Bnei Noah: biblical and internationally recognized principles as a basis for legal reciprocity in international law.
Chief Justice: Rabbi Yoel Schwartz

4. Committee of State
The purpose of this committee –
Analysis of economic and social issues in order to bring about recommendations for further action.
Analysis of military and warfare issues to bring about recommendations for further action. To this end enlisting experts in military history, officers, and other specialists for the formation of policy.

5. Committee for the Administrative and Civil Re-organization of the Jewish People
Administrative and Civil Re-organization of the Jewish People in Israel into a single body according to Torah, under ("Sarei Alaphim, Sarei Me'oth,…") in Israel country and in the Diaspora.

6. Health and Ecology Commission

7. Education Commission

*8. Committee concerning the Korban Pesach

*9. Committee for the 'Lost Tribes of Israel'
Jews who lost religious identity living in Spain, Portugal and other countries due to inquisition, persecution, assimilation or other factors.

*10. Committee Concerning the Rights and Responsibilites of non-Jews in the Jewish State.

11. Communications Committee
Spokesman for the Sanhedrin: Rabbi Prof. Hillel Weiss (professor of hebrew literature)

*12. Subcourt for Selection of Members of the Sanhedrin

*13. International Court of Law

*14. Committee for Religious Renewal

15. Committee for the exact site of the Holy Temple and Altar
Committee head: Rabbi Tzvi Eidan. The committee has completed its main work and has delivered its conclusions as part of a public statement.

16. Committee on Organizational Matters

17. Committee for the Recruitment of Additional Scholars to the Sanhedrin

18. Legal Adjudication for Soldiers
Organizer - Rabbi Dov Meir Stein, under the auspices of members of the Sanhedrin and its institutions

19. Committee for Recommendation of Initiatives
The purpose of this committee is to bring subjects to the legislature, to meet with members of the Sanhedrin, and the handling of various other matters.
Committee head: Rabbi Adin Steinzaltz

*20. Committee for the Selection of National Leadership
The purpose of this committee is to investigate possible candidates for popular leadership of the Jewish people; to organize demographic and democratic representation of the nation, not necessarily a monarch, but may also be a Prime Minister, President, etc.

21. Economic Commission

Partnership with Academic Societies
Several academic societies of Israeli professors and academicians have placed themselves at the service of the Sanhedrin. These serve as a prime resource of information and professional advice on dozens of fields in the natural, social, and other sciences.

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