Who caused the Sages to require that moon witnesses be known and examined?
The Boethusians hired people to falsely testify about seeing the moon, so the Sages enacted acceptance only from known reliable witnesses with thorough examination.
Question 2
Two witnesses: one says the moon was at three levels height, the other says five levels. What is the ruling?
A gap of two levels is too large for combination, but each individual witness can join with another who testifies the same or within one level.
Question 3
The court heard testimony and sanctified the month, but later the witnesses were found to be scheming. What is the status?
By Torah law, even if witnesses are found scheming, the sanctification stands — the matter is entrusted to the court.
Question 4
The court did not manage to declare Mekudash before nightfall of the 31st. What happens?
Sanctification at night is invalid. If they did not declare before nightfall of the 31st, the month is extended and Rosh Chodesh falls on day 31.
Question 5
Three judges of the court saw the moon at the end of day 29, before any star appeared. What should they do?
As long as no star has appeared it is still daytime, and the court may immediately declare Mekudash themselves without additional witnesses.