Beth Din Guides
• What to Expect When You Come to a Din Torah
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A Din Torah is a holy and serious proceeding before a Beis Din (Jewish court). Please conduct yourself with dignity and respect toward the Dayanim (judges), the opposing party, and all present. Speak calmly and wait for your turn to talk.
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Dress modestly and respectfully, as one would when appearing before a Rabbinic court or in a synagogue setting.
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When called upon, you will have an opportunity to clearly present your side of the matter. Speak directly and honestly. Avoid interrupting when the other party is speaking.
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Listen carefully to the questions of the Dayanim and to the responses of the other side. The Beis Din may pause the discussion to clarify facts or Torah law.
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Come prepared with any documents, contracts, messages, or evidence that support your claims. Bring copies for the Dayanim to keep, and provide copies for the opposing side as well. Organize your materials beforehand so you can present them efficiently and respectfully.
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Be ready to defend your position and to prove your claims according to halachah and facts. The Beis Din bases its rulings on Torah law and verified evidence.
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Beis Din fees are $300 per hour per side.
Unless otherwise established by the Beis Din in a particular case.
• What is Beis Din?
by Rabbi Mordechai Z. Hecht
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A beit din, or “house of law,” is a Jewish court responsible for applying Torah law in legal, spiritual, and communal matters. The obligation to establish such courts is rooted in divine instruction. Historically, an intricate network of courts existed in ancient Israel.
At the highest level was the beit din hagadol, the “great house of law,” located in Jerusalem. This supreme court had ultimate authority over legal decisions and traced its origins back to Moses, who led a council of elders. Regional courts with multiple judges operated in larger cities, while smaller communities relied on simpler courts of three or more judges (always an odd number).
Although the legal system allowed for severe punishments, such rulings were rarely carried out. Rabbinic tradition emphasized justice tempered with mercy, viewing even occasional executions as extreme.
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Judges of a beit din must meet high ethical and spiritual standards. Qualities such as wisdom, humility, integrity, a love for truth, and respect within the community are essential. However, possessing these traits is not enough—judges also required formal authorization known as semichah.
This ancient form of semichah could only be granted in the Land of Israel by someone who had already received it, maintaining an unbroken chain back to Moses. Only those with this original semichah were traditionally honored with the title “rabbi.”
Over time, political turmoil and persecution disrupted the ability to confer authentic semichah, leading to its eventual disappearance. Though rabbis are still ordained today, their authority differs from that of earlier generations, and modern batei din cannot carry out all the functions of their ancient counterparts.
A. Foundations of the Beit Din
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Despite historical limitations, batei din continue to play a vital role in Jewish life. They:
Resolve disputes between individuals
Oversee religious divorces (get)
Guide those undergoing conversion (geirut/giyur)
Offer religious and communal guidance
They also supervise kosher certification in eateries, factories, and food production facilities, ensuring adherence to Jewish dietary laws.
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For specific disputes, a temporary or ad hoc beit din may be formed, known as a zabla. In this setup, each party selects one judge, and those two together appoint a third. Before the proceedings begin, both parties agree to honor the court’s ruling. This method offers a fair and collaborative approach to conflict resolution.
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Understanding some frequently used terms can help when interacting with a beit din:
Dayan: A judge of the court.
Av Beit Din: The head or chief judge.
Hazmanah: A summons to appear before the court.
To’en: An advocate who helps present a case.
Get: A religious divorce document.
Geirut / Giyur: Conversion to Judaism.
Din Torah: A legal case judged according to Torah law.
Psak: The final ruling or decision of the court.
B. The Beit Din in Modern Times
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Serving as a judge in a beit din is not only a legal responsibility—it is a moral calling. The Talmud teaches that a fair and honest judge is considered a partner with G‑d in sustaining the world. While G‑d creates, the judge ensures justice, peace, and holiness in society.
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When individuals come before a beit din, emotions often run high—anger, frustration, and pain are common. It is difficult, even for the most skilled judge, to please both sides. Yet, when litigants accept the ruling with sincerity, tradition holds that they are both seen as righteous. In this way, the beit din not only resolves disputes but also helps restore harmony and integrity within the community.
C. Values and Vision
• What to expect at Mediation
(Not to be confused with a Din Torah, which is a form of Arbitration.)
Print and Fill out form here
Bring it with you to the mediation.
Mediation is a respectful, guided conversation that helps people resolve conflict through understanding and communication—not through judgment or decision-making. The goal is to find common ground and practical solutions that both sides can agree on.
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Start with a sincere greeting, acknowledge the issue, and agree to keep the discussion respectful.
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The mediator explains that this is a cooperative conversation where both sides participate equally.
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Each person explains what happened and how it affected them while the other listens carefully.
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Repeat back what you’ve heard to ensure understanding and reduce emotional tension or misunderstanding.
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Identify the main issues and areas that need to be discussed or resolved.
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Brainstorm possible ways forward and agree on what works best for both sides.
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Summarize the outcome, clarify next steps, and share details only when necessary and appropriate.