The Oberammergau Passion Play group should be commended for the changes and improvements in the text that contribute much to a better presentation of Jews and Judaism. There are still some problems that require changes that would definitely improve the presentation of First Century Judaism.

The Temple’s leaders are called High Council instead of referring directly to the priesthood and its organization of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin is mentioned only once, though there is no specification about which kind of Sanhedrin was operating in the Temple and in Jerusalem at that time. Unfortunately, the Passion Play, because of its very nature as a play, cannot go into detail about the complicated organization of Jewish life in the first century. For this reason it would be advisable to take out the reference to the Sanhedrin in the latest script of the play.

What is of serious concern is the fact that the High Council and the leadership of the Temple, headed by Caiphas, are violently against Jesus, accusing him of violation of Jewish religious law, and accusing him of being a revolutionary leader against Roman power. Caiphas and his associates appear as unconditional allies of Roman power and their accusations against Jesus are both theological and political. The general sense of the script is of "Jewish power" against Jesus. From that concept to the idea of deicide, there is one step and it is very easy to understand that following the present dialogues of Caiphas and his fellow priests, and Caiphas and Pilate. It is important, however, that the script points out that Nicomides, a Pharisee, talks in favor of Jesus following the Gospel tradition, as did other Jews, and it is in clear contraposition with Caiphas and his allies. This is shown in the new script but Caiphas and his group appear as a powerful opponent that silences Nicomides and those critical of the Temple bureaucracy.

Next: The Role of Pilate