50 Walter Jacob
No subsequent similar efforts to create a central Jewish religious authority that might have the power to make major changes in the halakhah was undertaken.
Napoleon ’s effort was unique especially as it was constituted by a non-Jew and yet involved the French rabbinate including its leader Rabbi Sintzheimer , who took a leading role in the proceedings and signed the document that resulted. This Sanhedrin affected the Jewish population throughout western Europe.
Napoleon dealt with the complaints he heard in Strasbourg directly, but he and his advisers felt that a Jewish group could be induced to make other changes that he wished to impose. This led to the Assembly of Notables and to the Sanhedrin; its decisions would have
implications in whatever lands Napoleon conquered. The composition of the Sanhedrin was also not traditional as it consisted of only forty rabbis along with lay leaders which would then reach the required
Monsieur Champagny.
Regarding the project of the organization of the Jewish nation, it is necessary that the Sanhedrin be assembled. Call it for such a time that I can send to it all that has to be regulated.
It is necessary to remove from the Laws of Moses all that is intolerant, to declare a portion of these laws as civil and political laws and to leave of the religious laws only what is related to the moral obligations of French citizens.