During the period of the Second Temple, a highly significant governing body operated: the Sanhedrin, or Council of Elders, which was composed of 71 members.
The sages describe them as the “eyes of the congregation.” This means that they could see ahead and understand how to guide the people along the path of goodness. It is also said that the sages of the Sanhedrin possessed both stature and wisdom. They understood the overall direction of development within creation and were capable of leading the people to mutual connection and love. Just as loving parents guide their children, the members of the Sanhedrin guided the people toward a state that was aligned with the general system of nature.
The sages of the Sanhedrin would sit together. Whenever a problem or question arose, they would first unite among themselves and then approach its resolution. “They sat together in affection, friendship, and unity” (Chullin 5a, Rashi’s commentary). Each person contributed his opinion while feeling connected to the others. Their wisdom stemmed from their ability to establish harmonious relations among themselves. Through their mutual connection, they became linked to the general force of nature, which led to clarity on the correct direction for the whole nation.
At the head of the Sanhedrin stood the Nasi, the President of the Sanhedrin, whose role was to unite the entire assembly. He saw further than the others, knew how to consult with everyone, incorporate their views, and guide them to connection. He integrated all the participants within himself and thereby compelled them to remain connected with one another. The Nasi was not greater than the members of the Sanhedrin but more central than they were, situated deeper in the center of their connection. He was the one who knew how to harmonize the entire system.
From all of the above, it follows that the role of Israel’s leaders and judges is to guide the people to connect with each other and to unify with nature.
Future leaders will be those capable of leading the Israeli nation to become a model society, one that demonstrates how to rise above differences through connection, love, and mutual complementarity. Such a nation will serve as a bridge between humanity and the single force in creation, which will lead people to positive relationships, like those found in a healthy and loving family.
Based on “New Life 181 – Leadership, Part 2” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.
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