Q&A: Authority
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Authority
Question
Is the authority of the sages until the sealing of the Talmud derived from the verse “Do not deviate”?
Answer
The sages did not have authority until the sealing of the Talmud. Whoever had ordination and was part of the Sanhedrin had authority from “Do not deviate.” The Talmud itself also has authority, apparently by virtue of public acceptance.
This is a subtle point. My obligations are based on the acceptance of people who lived a long time ago.