What was the governing body of Israelite Jews starting during the Persian Period?

• A. Great Sanhedrin
• B. Sanhedrin
• C. High Council
• D. Assembly

Answer: (A)

The governing body was the Great Sanhedrin, a formal supreme council that guided religious and communal life after the exilic period. Its role was to interpret Torah, settle disputes, oversee temple affairs and priestly duties, and provide leadership for the Jewish community as it reorganized under Persian rule. This council grew out of the restoration leadership under Ezra and Nehemiah and continued as the central authority into the Second Temple era. While some sources distinguish earlier assemblies or use different labels, the term Great Sanhedrin captures the idea of a high-status, official governing body that governed Israelite Jews starting in the Persian period.