The recently formed Sanhedrin, a legal body consisting of 71 prominent Rabbis in Israel, has arranged to purchase a flock of sheep for sacrificial rituals ahead of the upcoming Passover. The Sanhedrin was formed several years ago, and was one of the first news items that prompted me to start this website. The Sanhedrin had not existed for over 1600 years, having been dissolved after the diaspora. The group reformed on the 13th of October, 2004, and are actively seeking to re-establish the monarchy of Israel. The Sanhedrin considers itself the highest legal body in the land of Israel, and opposed the government's decision to disengage from Gaza, stating that it was against Torah. They are also researching the exact location of where Solomon's Temple once stood to enable the building of the Third Temple.

Quote: "The present-day Sanhedrin Court decided Tuesday to purchase a herd of sheep for ritual sacrifice at the site of the Temple on the eve of Passover, conditions on the Temple Mount permitting. The modern Sanhedrin was established several years ago and is headed by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. It claims to be renewing the ancient Jewish high court, which existed until roughly 1600 years ago, and meets once a week. Professor Hillel Weiss, a member of the Sanhedrin, told Haaretz on Tuesday that the action, even if merely symbolic, is designed to demonstrate in a way that is obvious to all that the expectation of Temple rituals will resume is real, and not just talk.

The Bible of course states that the Temple rituals will resume, after the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Daniel's prophecy states that half-way through the seven year tribulation period, the Antichrist will cause the "sacrifice and oblation to cease", Daniel 9:27. It is during this time that the Antichrist takes his seat in the Temple and proclaims himself to be God (2nd Thessalonians 2:4). Another interesting link from my friend Ed, states that the European Union has up until now guaranteed the rights of Jews wanting to sacrifice animals.

Quote: "During the meeting, Vice President Frattini pledged EU support for combating anti-Semitism in Europe and for protecting Jewish religious rights. The Vice President assured the CER delegation that he regards attempts to restrict Jewish ritual slaughter (shechita) as contraventions of EU law and said he would be contacting the Belgian Interior Minister over the issue following attempts in the Belgian Senate to place restrictions on shechita in Belgium.

But this may not always remain the case, if EU continues to press for the increase in the protection of animal welfare across the continent. Another interesting passage in Scripture is concerning the rejection of Meshiach. It was the Jewish Sanhedrin that condemned Christ to death, and Jesus said that He had come in His Father's name and they received Him not, but if another shall come in his own name, him they would receive, John 5:43. I can't help but wonder if the Sanhedrin will be responsible in any way for the acceptation of the Antichrist or his false prophet.

Mark 15:1
And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried [him] away, and delivered [him] to Pilate.

Source Haaretz, Conference of European Rabbis, Welcome Europe