Here we say שלא יהא אחד בעל דין ושנים עדי but for עדות החודש in רה we allow this, why? True, a significant difference exists between the cases. Here they are biased as it's their own case, there they are unbiased in testifying to new moon and month start. But, why give creed to that difference when the concern is מדבר שקר תרחק, doesn't it still appear dishonest for the 3 עדים to reassemble themselves as a court for קידוש החודש?
Daniel Gray, Canada
Shalom R' Daniel,
Thank you very much for your question. Le'Aniyus Da'ati, even from a public facing perspective, Edus ha'Chodesh is not perceived as a Davar Sheker when the witnesses serve as members of the Beis Din. It is clearly understood, both Halachically and in the eyes of the public, that there is no Negi'ah involved here, and people intuitively distinguish between this case and others.
Kol Tuv,
Aharon Steiner