Son's of Tzadok: Part 4 The Calendar – Halachic Authority vs. Sectarian Claims

B"H

Introduction

The Jewish calendar is a sacred institution entrusted to the halachic authority of the Sanhedrin and the sages, as commanded in the Torah. Time itself, as sanctified through Rosh Chodesh (the declaration of the new moon) and the moedim (festivals), is part of Hashem’s divine structure for Jewish life. The Torah instructs us to follow the rulings of the halachic courts of each generation:

Deuteronomy 17:8-13: “You shall act in accordance with what they tell you… you shall not deviate from the word they will tell you, right or left.”

This command ensures Jewish unity under Torah law, including the establishment of the calendar. Historically, the Sanhedrin sanctified each month based on witness testimony of the new moon. However, when persecution threatened this system, Hillel II established the fixed calendar in the 4th century CE to ensure global consistency and observance.

In contrast, groups like the Hebrew Roots Sons of Tzadok reject the Hillel calendar, promoting alternative systems based on flawed interpretations of prophecy and sectarian ideology. Such rejection mirrors earlier sectarian movements, like the Qumran sect, whose deviations caused division and isolation. Worse, these groups misuse rabbinic texts, which they neither accept nor understand, to justify their divisive claims.

This section will demonstrate that the Hillel calendar aligns with Torah authority and preserves Jewish unity, while sectarian alternatives violate the Torah’s command to follow halachic leadership and undermine the sanctity of Jewish observance.

The Jewish calendar is not merely a method for tracking time; it is a sacred system that determines when Jews observe Hashem’s commandments. The Torah explicitly commands adherence to a halachic authority that unifies the people in time, space, and observance. This system ensures that festivals, fasts, and sacred convocations are celebrated together, preserving Jewish unity under the authority of the Torah.

The Hillel calendar, established by Hillel II in the 4th century CE, was a monumental achievement in Jewish history. It preserved halachic order and enabled Jews across the world to fulfill the Torah’s commandments consistently during a time of crisis. It reflects both Torah law and the practical wisdom of the sages.

In contrast, movements like the Hebrew Roots Sons of Tzadok reject the Hillel calendar and promote alternative systems based on sectarian ideologies and flawed interpretations of prophetic texts, such as Ezekiel. By doing so, they undermine Torah authority and Jewish unity, repeating the tragic mistakes of earlier sectarian groups, like the Qumran sect and the Sadducees. Worse yet, they exploit rabbinic sources—texts they fundamentally reject—selectively and inaccurately to support their claims.

This section will establish the Torah’s clear command to follow halachic authority, explain the historical development of the calendar, refute sectarian claims, and demonstrate that the Hillel calendar reflects both Torah values and halachic authority.

1. The Torah’s Command to Follow Halachic Authority

The foundation of Jewish unity rests on the Torah’s command to adhere to the rulings of the Sanhedrin and halachic courts. This principle, rooted in Deuteronomy 17:8-13, ensures that Jews follow a single system of law and observance, avoiding division and confusion.

“If a matter of judgment is hidden from you… you shall come to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge who will be in those days, and they shall tell you the word of judgment. You shall act in accordance with what they tell you… you shall not deviate from the word that they will tell you, right or left.”

This Torah command establishes that the Sanhedrin, acting as the central halachic authority, determines all matters of law, including the sanctification of the calendar.

The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 25a) reinforces this principle. In a profound discussion, the sages affirm that the Sanhedrin’s rulings—even if they appear questionable—must be upheld to preserve unity:

“You shall not deviate [right or left].” Even if they tell you that right is left and left is right—you must obey.

The Torah prioritizes unity and obedience to halachic authority over individual opinions. Rejecting this system fractures the Jewish people and violates Hashem’s command.

2. The Development of the Calendar: From Moon Sightings to Hillel II

The Early System: Sanhedrin and Witnesses

In biblical times, the calendar was determined through witness testimony of the new moon. The Sanhedrin, based in Jerusalem, would examine witnesses, declare the new month (Rosh Chodesh), and send messengers to Jewish communities. This system, rooted in Exodus 12:2—“This month shall be for you the beginning of months”—relied on the Sanhedrin’s halachic authority to sanctify time.

The Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 2:8) describes this process in detail. The sanctification of the new moon was not arbitrary; it was a sacred responsibility entrusted to the judges of the Sanhedrin, who acted on behalf of the entire nation.

Hillel II and the Fixed Calendar

By the 4th century CE, Roman persecution and exile made it impossible to rely on witnesses and centralized communication. The traditional system of moon sightings became unsustainable, and Jewish unity was at risk.

In response, Hillel II, the Nasi (head) of the Sanhedrin, established a fixed calendar based on astronomical calculations and halachic principles. This decision was made to unify Jewish observance worldwide and to protect the integrity of the Torah’s festivals.

The fixed Hillel calendar fulfills three essential Torah requirements:

1. Unity: All Jews observe the festivals together, preserving the concept of moedim (appointed times) as “holy convocations” (Leviticus 23:2).

2. Sanctification: The Sanhedrin’s authority to establish the calendar remains intact through this system.

3. Adaptability: The calendar ensures stability despite exile and dispersion, allowing Jews to fulfill Hashem’s commandments without interruption.

Hillel II’s calendar reflects the practical wisdom of the sages and their adherence to Torah law. It is a testament to their foresight and their commitment to preserving Jewish unity in the face of crisis.

3. Sectarian Calendars: Division and Chaos

The rejection of the Hillel calendar by the Sons of Tzadok mirrors the behavior of earlier sectarian movements, such as the Qumran sect and the Sadducees. These groups rejected the Sanhedrin’s authority and created their own calendars, leading to division and fragmentation.

The Qumran Sect

The Qumran community, adopted a solar based with lunar attributes calendar that conflicted with the lunar calendar established by the Sanhedrin. This break caused them to observe festivals on different days, isolating themselves from the rest of Klal Yisrael. As history shows, their rejection of halachic authority led to their ultimate disappearance.

The Sons of Tzadok

The Hebrew Roots Sons of Tzadok repeat this mistake. They reject the Hillel calendar and promote an alternative calendar based on selective interpretations of prophetic texts. By doing so, they fragment observance and violate the Torah’s command to follow the rulings of halachic authorities.

Leviticus 23:2: “These are the appointed times of Hashem, holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.”

The proclamation of these “appointed times” was entrusted to the Sanhedrin—not individuals or sectarian movements. Deviating from the halachic calendar undermines the unity of the Jewish people.

4. Misuse of Rabbinic Texts by the Sons of Tzadok

On a side note:

The irony of the Hebrew Roots Sons of Tzadok lies in their selective use of rabbinic texts to justify their claims. While they reject the authority of the Oral Torah and the rabbis, they frequently quote works such as:

• Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)

• Commentaries by Jonathan Eybeschutz, Isaac Abarbanel, Malbim and various other Rabbinic texts

• The Malbim, a staunch defender of traditional halachic authority, would never have supported breaking from the calendar established by Hillel II.

These texts were written by sages who upheld the halachic authority of the Oral Torah.

To misuse these writings while rejecting their underlying principles is both inconsistent and intellectually dishonest.

If the Sons of Tzadok do not accept the rabbinic tradition, they have no right to exploit its teachings to support their divisive agenda.

5. Conclusion: The Hillel Calendar Reflects Torah Authority

The Hillel calendar is a halachic institution that reflects the Torah’s command to follow the rulings of the Sanhedrin and the sages. Established by Hillel II to preserve Jewish unity, it embodies the wisdom and foresight of rabbinic leadership.

In contrast, the Hebrew Roots Sons of Tzadok promote alternative calendars that violate the Torah’s principles and fragment Jewish observance. Their actions echo the mistakes of historical sectarian groups, such as the Qumran sect, who isolated themselves from the Jewish people and faded into obscurity.

By adhering to the Hillel calendar, we fulfill Hashem’s will, preserve the integrity of the Torah, and remain united as Klal Yisrael. The calendar is not a human invention but a sacred trust—a responsibility to sanctify time according to halachic authority.

Rejecting this trust undermines Torah law, Jewish unity, and the eternal covenant between Hashem and His people. By upholding the Hillel calendar, we affirm the timeless wisdom of the Torah and the unity of the Jewish nation under Hashem’s guidance.

The Hillel calendar reflects the eternal authority of Torah law and the wisdom of rabbinic leadership. Established by Hillel II during a time of crisis, it ensured the preservation of Jewish unity and Torah observance worldwide. The calendar is not merely a matter of convenience; it is rooted in the Torah’s command to follow the Sanhedrin and halachic courts:

Deuteronomy 17:8-13: “You shall not deviate from the word they will tell you, right or left.”

Alternative calendars, like those promoted by the Hebrew Roots Sons of Tzadok, violate this divine command. These sectarian systems echo the tragic mistakes of groups like the Qumran sect, whose rejection of halachic authority led to fragmentation, chaos, and ultimately their disappearance.

Furthermore, the Sons of Tzadok expose their inconsistency by misusing rabbinic texts—such as Pirkei Avot and the writings of Malbim and Abarbanel—to advance their agenda, despite rejecting the very tradition these sources represent.

Their selective and distorted approach only deepens their deviation from Torah truth.

The Jewish calendar sanctifies time, unites Klal Yisrael, and reflects the halachic principles entrusted to us by Hashem. By adhering to the Hillel calendar, we honor the Torah’s eternal command, uphold the unity of the Jewish people, and reject the divisive claims of sectarian ideologies.

The calendar is not just a matter of dates; it is a symbol of our faith, unity, and obedience to Hashem’s divine structure for Jewish life.