The other day I was talking with some people and the topic of whether or not we should keep the holy days by the calculated calendar or the new moon sighting came up. I tend to side with tradition on these things, where as most the people in the room had a more protestant nature. I argued that worshiping as a community on a calculated calendar might be better than leaving the community to worship on a day we deem more right. The conversation basically ended when one man asked, “How many people does it take to obey G-d’s law?”
The obvious answer is of course “One” and I didn’t have much to say after that. However on further reflection I think the obvious answer is inadequate. I would have done better to answer the question with a question of my own; “Which ones?”
How many people does it take to follow His law about two witnesses? How many to properly carry the ark, or to be fruitful and multiply? How many does it take to fully keep a single temple sacrifice? Simple answers are not always the best. They can trivialize complex situations. Hashem’s laws were created for a community to follow. In ancient times, those that did not would have been subject to the legal ramifications of their disobedience. Can you imagine then the chaos that would have ensued if everyone felt entitled to interpret it on their own, without regard for the rest of the community? Imagine, you’re in ancient Israel. You and your neighbors step outside and there it is: the new moon!
But wait! Bob says it’s based off of the conjunction, Jim says the crescent, Greg says he saw it yesterday, and Ol’ Blind Tony hasn’t kept a feast since he lost his eyesight.
Anyone who has discussed calendar issues with a diverse group will recognize that this is only a small exaggeration. If we all do as we see fit without regards to our neighbors how long until there is no community left? I’m not advocating that anyone go against their conscience. But the law is not an all or nothing game. If it were, there would be no Passover services now that the temple has been destroyed. Rather, we all have to do the best we can in an imperfect world. I think this goal is best served not in isolation, but in conjunction with the people called “the keepers of the oracles of G-d.”

In my previous post, I gave a list of verses (exhaustive, or exhausting?) that I think provide the bulk of biblical support for the Two House theory. I also stated that I am no longer a proponent. My reasons for separating myself from it have less to do with scripture unfortunately, and more to do with suspecting my own motives. Basically, I think it’s to convenient.
So as not to misrepresent myself, I’d like to start off by saying that I am nolonger a proponent of Two House Theory, though I was up until very recently.