Question 1

What is a Din Torah?

Accepted Answer

A Din Torah is a rabbinical court proceeding in which two or more parties bring their dispute before a dayan or a panel of three dayanim to be resolved in accordance with Halacha. It is the Torah-mandated way to settle civil and financial matters within the Jewish community. Under Halacha, bringing a dispute before a civil court without first seeking resolution through a Beis Din may constitute a violation of Torah law.

Question 2

Is a Din Torah Legally Binding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Din Torah incorporates binding arbitration and is generally enforceable under U.S. law. The Beis Din’s ruling — known as a Psak Din — can, if necessary, be confirmed as a civil court judgment and enforced through the civil legal system. All parties sign a Shtar Beirurin, a formal arbitration agreement, prior to the commencement of any hearing. This document establishes the authority of the Beis Din to adjudicate the matter and binds both parties to accept and abide by the outcome.

Question 3

Do Both Parties Need to Agree?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both parties must voluntarily agree to appear before the Beis Din. If one party refuses to participate after being properly summoned, the Beis Din has the authority to issue a Heter Arkaos — a rabbinical permit authorizing the summoning party to pursue their claim in secular civil court. This ensures that a party who seeks to resolve their dispute according to Halacha is never left without recourse simply because the other side refuses to cooperate.

Question 4

How is the Case Initiated?

Accepted Answer

The process begins when one party contacts our office and submits an intake form describing the nature of the dispute. Our office will then reach out to both parties to arrange their participation. Once both parties have agreed, a hearing date is scheduled.

Question 5

Who Presides Over the Hearing?

Accepted Answer

Cases are presided over by Rabbi Reuven Brown, Av Beis Din of Choshen Mishpat Miami, who holds Semicha from Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky, and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator in both County and Circuit Civil cases. If either party requests that the Din Torah be held in front of three dayanim, additional dayanim may be appointed to form a full panel of three dayanim.

Question 6

Can I Bring Representation?

Accepted Answer

Although it is unnecessary, parties may bring a Toein — a rabbinical advocate trained in Halacha and Beis Din procedure — to represent their interests during the hearing. Parties may also be accompanied by a civil attorney, should they feel it necessary.

Question 7

What Happens at the Hearing?

Accepted Answer

Each party is given a full opportunity to present their case, submit evidence, and respond to the other side. The dayanim may ask questions of both parties and review any relevant documents, contracts, correspondence, or other materials. Following deliberation, the Beis Din issues a Psak Din — a formal Halachic ruling — which is binding on both parties.

Question 8

How Long Does the Process Take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the dispute and the availability of both parties. Simple matters can often be resolved in a single session. More complex cases may require multiple hearings. In general, a Din Torah is significantly faster and less costly than civil litigation.

Question 9

Is the Process Confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All proceedings before Choshen Mishpat Miami are strictly confidential. Unlike civil court, which is part of the public record, a Din Torah is conducted privately and the details of the case and the ruling are not disclosed to any third party without the consent of both parties.

Question 10

What Does It Cost?

Accepted Answer

To initiate a claim, there is a non-refundable filing fee of $150. This fee covers all administrative costs associated with opening your case, including correspondence with both parties and, where necessary, the issuance of a Heter Arkaos. Din Torah sessions are billed on an hourly basis, per Dayan, and are subject to variation based on the size and complexity of the case. The composition of the panel and the appropriate forum for your matter will be determined in consultation with our office prior to the commencement of proceedings. Session fees are due immediately upon the conclusion of each session.

Question 11

How Do I Get Started?

Accepted Answer

[object Object]

Arbitration

Understanding a Din Torah

Looking for an outcome you control?