dispositions are unchangeable, while this does not apply to the political dispositions which are open to modifications; that only the Great Sanhdrin is able to establish this distinction; that during the whole time during which the Jews stayed in Palestine and formed a corporate nation, the political circumstances having remained the same as in the time of Moses , the Great Sanhedrin had no cause to make this distinction; that, however, since the Israelites have left their fatherland, no Great Sanhedrin has convened."
The idea of assembling a Sanhedrin came from a published appeal and a direct letter to Napoleon from Israel Jacobson (1768-1828), the noted German reformer and banker. He admired Napoleon and saw the possibilities of enlisting him in the struggle for equal rights in this fashion.'?! As Napoleon thought globally, invitations to the Sanhedrin were extended to all parts of Europe according to the Emperor ’s instructions by a committee of nine of the Assembly of Notables . The invitation, in the form of a proclamation, was issued in Hebrew , German , French , and Italian . Napoleon felt that this mechanism could effect the changes he demanded, appear to be in line with the tradition, cause fewest problems, and win Jewish approval throughout Europe which would be helpful in his conquests- quiet assistance as his armies arrived or perhaps aid with espionage. It could also lead to additional Jewish soldiers for his armies; actually military service without the possibility to purchasing a substitute was made compulsory in 1808.'% As have noted earlier governments outside Napoleon ’s realm refused to permit delegates from their lands as they feared Napoleon 's influence on their Jewish population. The Austrian government kept close watch on its Jews and read all mail between France and Austria , only to report that there was little interest in this matter.'”® Aside from the French and Italian delegates, five from Germany and Holland attended. The proceedings and debates had to be translated into those languages