When it comes to converting to Judaism, it can often be a lengthy process, especially when converting from Christianity. In addition, all conversions must be approved by a Jewish Bet din. In ancient times, a Bet din was the primary building block of the Biblical law of Israel. Also known as the house of judgment, a Bet din is now defined as a rabbinical court for those whom practice Orthodox Judaism.
Currently, rabbinical courts are provided the power to oversee a number of issues related to the religion. For, a matter of litigation or Din Torah in Israel and Jewish communities around the world are judged by a Diaspora of differing authority levels.
Original Bet dins were first inspired by Moses and Jethro, the first to be given such powers. After which, the courts were affirmed by God in a direct commandment to the people to institute officers inside the gates of the community. Whereas, recommendations that rulers delegate powers to lower level courts can also be found in the Torah.
In ancient times, there were three types of courts. These included a grand central court with 71 members and two smaller courts of 23 members each with one having hierarchy over the other. While all towns with a population of 120 to 230 residents, had to have a court of 23 under the jurisdiction of the tribal court.
In the Jewish religion, the Mishnah and Talmud determine the difference between cases involving money matters, rituals or criminal acts. Like other courts, those involving criminal activity often have more stringent punishments than others. Regardless, Bet dins ruled in all these and other types of cases. Whereas, Bet dins still rule over all types of cases though are now much smaller and often focus on issues effecting the local community.
Bet dins which existed in Medieval times and those of modern time are in theory a court of law overseen by laymen. In most cases, these laymen act as arbitrators to determine sentences for infractions. For, these individuals often have more power than others and are composed of experienced rabbis which have knowledge of Jewish law. Although, if an individual attends a training institute, preferably in Israel, it is possible to become a religious judge which has even power when it comes to handing down rulings in a Jewish court of law.
While Orthodox Bet dins require a minimum of 3 men with knowledge of Jewish law, it is often impossible to find qualified individuals. As a result, the law now provides that one Orthodox male can establish a Bet din. While this is the case, each community is required to establish a Bet din so communities can now choose how many judges to oversee different cases.
Ultimately, when selecting the men to sit on the court, it is important that these individuals are capable of instructing others with regards to Jewish Law and the case at hand. Rabbis on the Bet din do not necessarily have to be an expert in all areas of the law, just the area in question. For example, those sitting for a conversion only need experience and expertise in the conversion process though not other aspects of Jewish law.
Currently, rabbinical courts are provided the power to oversee a number of issues related to the religion. For, a matter of litigation or Din Torah in Israel and Jewish communities around the world are judged by a Diaspora of differing authority levels.
Original Bet dins were first inspired by Moses and Jethro, the first to be given such powers. After which, the courts were affirmed by God in a direct commandment to the people to institute officers inside the gates of the community. Whereas, recommendations that rulers delegate powers to lower level courts can also be found in the Torah.
In ancient times, there were three types of courts. These included a grand central court with 71 members and two smaller courts of 23 members each with one having hierarchy over the other. While all towns with a population of 120 to 230 residents, had to have a court of 23 under the jurisdiction of the tribal court.
In the Jewish religion, the Mishnah and Talmud determine the difference between cases involving money matters, rituals or criminal acts. Like other courts, those involving criminal activity often have more stringent punishments than others. Regardless, Bet dins ruled in all these and other types of cases. Whereas, Bet dins still rule over all types of cases though are now much smaller and often focus on issues effecting the local community.
Bet dins which existed in Medieval times and those of modern time are in theory a court of law overseen by laymen. In most cases, these laymen act as arbitrators to determine sentences for infractions. For, these individuals often have more power than others and are composed of experienced rabbis which have knowledge of Jewish law. Although, if an individual attends a training institute, preferably in Israel, it is possible to become a religious judge which has even power when it comes to handing down rulings in a Jewish court of law.
While Orthodox Bet dins require a minimum of 3 men with knowledge of Jewish law, it is often impossible to find qualified individuals. As a result, the law now provides that one Orthodox male can establish a Bet din. While this is the case, each community is required to establish a Bet din so communities can now choose how many judges to oversee different cases.
Ultimately, when selecting the men to sit on the court, it is important that these individuals are capable of instructing others with regards to Jewish Law and the case at hand. Rabbis on the Bet din do not necessarily have to be an expert in all areas of the law, just the area in question. For example, those sitting for a conversion only need experience and expertise in the conversion process though not other aspects of Jewish law.
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