[Avodah] psak from aged

[Micha Berger]

On Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 01:49:19PM +0200, Joel Rich via Avodah wrote:
> [I'm converting the opening quote to something our digest software can
> handle. -micha]
> 
> Rambam Hilkhos Sanhedrin 2:3:
>     Ein ma'amidim bekhol haSanhedrin
>     - lo zaqei muflag bashanim
...

> Given the above, was there ever a time in halachic history where a poseik's
> psak was (or his ability to give psak) was questioned based on this
> exclusion? If not, why not?

You mean in cases where the poseiq was known to be fully mentally
capable still? I am not saying the Rambam is referring to a "zaqiein
muflag bashanim" as only someone outright senile. I was thinking maybe
he means someone who is growing a bit forgetful, but functions day-to-day
well enough.

Or maybe this is a din in Sanhedrin, because the problem isn't in
pesaq, but in legislation. I just cannot see why.

Vehadarta penei zaqein.

Tir'u baTov!
-Micha

-- 
Micha Berger                 Today is the 35th day, which is
http://www.aishdas.org/asp   5 weeks in/toward the omer.
Author: Widen Your Tent      Malchus sheb'Hod: What is soul-like about
- https://amzn.to/2JRxnDF                submission, and how is it glorious?