For many whom believe in God, there are two types of law. The first, is God's law, the second the laws made by men. When it comes to Jewish teachings, jewish bet din also spelled beth din and beit din refers to an Orthodox court of law. The court, based on the Torah teaching in Deuteronomy 16:18, follows the belief that tribes are to appoint officials and judges.
While originally used to quell disputes in the Jewish heritage, these laws are different than those provided by the Federal and State government. The first to serve on the court were 71 rabbis whom served at the original temple in Jerusalem. At that time, the officials heard cases and handed down decisions to the people of Israel.
Once the temple was destroyed in Jerusalem, the people began scattering to other areas. At that time, it became next to impossible for many to return to consult and convene with so many rabbis. As a result, the court was transformed into a panel of three men knowledgeable in Jewish law, ritual and tradition. While this is the case, the panel is still referred to as a bet din, beth din or beit din.
Before settling a case, the court refers to the halakha. In the beginning, the services of the court were only available to those living in smaller towns and villages. Now, the three members of the court, often rabbis share responsibility that is part and parcel to the formal legal system in Israel. As a result, consultation with the court is often necessary for legal issues as well as some aspects of Jewish rituals and practice.
For people of the faith residing outside Israel, there are some national and local organizations which can be of assistance in locating a beth din. Two of the most well known and popular of these organizations are that of the Beth Din of Manchester, and the Beth Din of America. While this is the case, Halakha only prescribes that the court be made up of three men whom have knowledge of Jewish law, practices, rituals and tradition without having to be rabbis or part of any official organization.
One of the most common reasons people contact a court of this nature is to arrange a divorce. For, according to halakha, the man must present the woman in front of the court. As with other courts involved in divorce, the couple must be present in order to assure that all aspects of the proceedings and settlement are legal and binding.
People also consult the court when converting from another faith. In fact, the court requires converts to appear in front of the court to confirm the sincerity of the individual. After which, the court must also be present to witness the conversion ceremony and ritual. Whereas, the court must also be in attendance at Jewish marriages. At which time, the court will issue a certificate regarding the status of the couple.
While serving in these personal aspects, the court can also be consulted with regards to dissolving oaths made in the last year, settling business disputes and awarding damages. When dealing with civil issues, most courts conduct proceedings in line with secular arbitration and halakha. For, in doing so, the proceedings are consistent with, and legally binding in a secular court.
While originally used to quell disputes in the Jewish heritage, these laws are different than those provided by the Federal and State government. The first to serve on the court were 71 rabbis whom served at the original temple in Jerusalem. At that time, the officials heard cases and handed down decisions to the people of Israel.
Once the temple was destroyed in Jerusalem, the people began scattering to other areas. At that time, it became next to impossible for many to return to consult and convene with so many rabbis. As a result, the court was transformed into a panel of three men knowledgeable in Jewish law, ritual and tradition. While this is the case, the panel is still referred to as a bet din, beth din or beit din.
Before settling a case, the court refers to the halakha. In the beginning, the services of the court were only available to those living in smaller towns and villages. Now, the three members of the court, often rabbis share responsibility that is part and parcel to the formal legal system in Israel. As a result, consultation with the court is often necessary for legal issues as well as some aspects of Jewish rituals and practice.
For people of the faith residing outside Israel, there are some national and local organizations which can be of assistance in locating a beth din. Two of the most well known and popular of these organizations are that of the Beth Din of Manchester, and the Beth Din of America. While this is the case, Halakha only prescribes that the court be made up of three men whom have knowledge of Jewish law, practices, rituals and tradition without having to be rabbis or part of any official organization.
One of the most common reasons people contact a court of this nature is to arrange a divorce. For, according to halakha, the man must present the woman in front of the court. As with other courts involved in divorce, the couple must be present in order to assure that all aspects of the proceedings and settlement are legal and binding.
People also consult the court when converting from another faith. In fact, the court requires converts to appear in front of the court to confirm the sincerity of the individual. After which, the court must also be present to witness the conversion ceremony and ritual. Whereas, the court must also be in attendance at Jewish marriages. At which time, the court will issue a certificate regarding the status of the couple.
While serving in these personal aspects, the court can also be consulted with regards to dissolving oaths made in the last year, settling business disputes and awarding damages. When dealing with civil issues, most courts conduct proceedings in line with secular arbitration and halakha. For, in doing so, the proceedings are consistent with, and legally binding in a secular court.
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