Oral Torah

I am always surprised when people fall in love with Torah, but reject the Oral Tradition (Torah Sheb'al peh). Let's picture this: Moses comes down from Mt. Sinai, and has received a commandment forbidding work (Melachah) on Shabbat. In fact, violation of Shabbat was a capital crime. But the Torah nowhere tells us what to do or not do, other than not to light a fire, gather sticks, and "leave our place". So, how do the people respond. OK Moses, so what do we do?" Rather, each commandment was given with its details, ORALLY! It's either that, or everyone is on his own. In the latter case, how could the court declare anyone guilty? "You're charged with violating the Sabbath by planting flowers in your garden". "But I don't consider that work!" "OK, case dismissed". Groups that have denied the Oral Tradition have either formulated their own set of rules, or denied the binding nature of the commandments altogether. Ah, but what if we're not sure? "You shall arise, to the place which the Lord shall choose..come before the Priests, Levites, and the Judge, and do all which they shall instruct you..and depart not to the right or to the left". (Deuteronomy17:8-13) This institution later became known as the Sanhedrin, which is given full authority by the Torah to interpret and enforce the Teachings. The Sanhedrin existed from the time of Moses until the fourth century CE, when it was destroyed by Byzantine persecution. The Oral Traditions given to Moses by G-d, as well as the decisions of the Sanhedrins of various eras, are enshrined in the work known as the Talmud. This is the Oral Law. After the demise of the Sanhedrin, there is a dispute as to the source of authority. According to RASHI and the Tosafot, the authority passed to the great rabbis of every generation, and are binding on all Jews. According to Maimonides, authority went to the community rabbis only, their rulings being binding only on their own communities. There is a great deal more to say on this, but let's open it up to your thoughts at this time