The Jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin
What happens if a local court is unable to decide a case? In such situations, the Torah gives ultimate authority to the Sanhedrin, the High Court of 71 elders in Jerusalem:
“If you are unable to reach a decision in a case... then you should set out and ascend to the place that God will choose. You must approach the Levitical priest and the judge... and you must do as they tell you. You must keep the Torah as they interpret it for you, and follow the laws that they legislate for you.” (Deut. 17:8-11)
In what areas did the High Court have jurisdiction? Was it only in legal/Halachic matters, or also in matters of faith?
In other words: does Judaism permit intellectual freedom in thought and beliefs, as long as one follows the codes of Halachic conduct? Or are there principles of faith which all must accept?
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