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.
Originally formed to settle disputes, these laws are different than those prescribed by State and Federal governments. The court was first formed by a multitude of rabbis whom provided court at the first Jerusalem temple. At which time, the purpose of the court was to hand down decisions and settle disputes among the Israeli people.
After the demise and destruction of the temple, the people began spreading out to other areas. As a result, attempting to convene with so many rabbis was no longer viable. Since that time, a beth din has been made of up of three men whom have began serving in many other fashions while continuing to settle disputes among the people.
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 personal issues can often be awarded and dissolved with the Jewish court, most civil matters and settlements are provided in line with secular courts. For, in doing so, the results are legal and binding regardless of location. Whereas, there are some cases in which if settled by a beth din would not be binding in a secular court of law.
Originally formed to settle disputes, these laws are different than those prescribed by State and Federal governments. The court was first formed by a multitude of rabbis whom provided court at the first Jerusalem temple. At which time, the purpose of the court was to hand down decisions and settle disputes among the Israeli people.
After the demise and destruction of the temple, the people began spreading out to other areas. As a result, attempting to convene with so many rabbis was no longer viable. Since that time, a beth din has been made of up of three men whom have began serving in many other fashions while continuing to settle disputes among the people.
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 personal issues can often be awarded and dissolved with the Jewish court, most civil matters and settlements are provided in line with secular courts. For, in doing so, the results are legal and binding regardless of location. Whereas, there are some cases in which if settled by a beth din would not be binding in a secular court of law.
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