This shiur includes an introduction to Masechet Sanhedrin.  The mishnayot of the first perek explain both what issues are brought to which size courts and how the number of judges in each court can be derived from the Torah.  The gemara starts to deal with the first item on the list – robbery and damages…

Three different reading of the mishna are brought regarding the first 6 words of the mishna – monetary laws are judged by 3, theft and injuries by 3.  All conclude the same bottom line law – that for loans and admissions you would need 3 regular people and for theft and injuries you would need…

According to Rabbi Yochanan there are five rabbis who all hold that when there is a contradiction between the way the text is read/pronounced and the way it is written, we follow the way it is pronounced.  Each case where is it said is brought and explained.  Then the gemara questions whether or not anyone…

Even though it says in the mishna that a court is made up of three judges, exceptions are made.  An expert can judge on one’s own.  Rabbi Abahu and Shmuel debate if 2 judges ruled in a case, would their judgment be effective?  in what cases does a judge who makes a mistake, need to pay…

Study Guide Sanhedrin 6. Is compromise/mediation something that is a viable option?  Is it ideal?  Is it forbidden?  If it is allowed, at what point in the course of the case is it too late to use mediation?  Various opinions are suggested.  Various statements are brought regarding the seriousness with which a judge should have…

The gemara extrapolates the verses at the beginning of sefer devarim when Moshe discusses setting up the court system.  The gemara learns from here all sorts of laws relating to judges to ensure fair judgments (not showing favoritism, etc.  and that the people listen to the courts (implements used by judges for enforcement purposes).  The gemara…

Study Guide Sanhedrin 9-10. Eight different interpretations are brought to explain what is the case in the mishna where Rabbi Meir and the rabbis debate whether one who claims his wife was not a virgin when they got married (and that she had relations with someone after the engagement) is done in a court of 3…

On what criteria is the decision made to intercalate the month?  One of the criteria is that it needs to be done by those who are chosen by the Nasi.  A case is brought where one extra came and Rabban Gamliel asked him to leave.  Shmuel HaKatan, so as not to embarrass the one who…

What are other issues regarding intercalation of the months?  What time of year can it be done?  What month can be added?  Can the people not being pure for the Pesach sacrifice be a consideration?  How does the timing of the equinox work?  Is it calculated by the autumnal equinox or by the spring equinox?…

How many judges for smicha on the par of the judges?  Where are the opinions derived from?  How many judges to give smicha to Rabbis?  How was smicha done?  Where could it be done?  Redemption of neta revai and ma’aser shena, as well as consecrated items mentioned in the mishna are discussed.