Types Of Cases

The Bet Din regularly arbitrates a wide range of disputes among parties, ranging in value from small claims to litigation involving several hundred thousand dollars. These cases include: commercial (such as employer-employee, landlord-tenant, real property, business interference, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, investor mismanagement, defective merchandise and unfair competition disputes), communal (such as rabbinic contract disputes and other congregational issues) and familial (such as family business, inheritance and matrimonial) disputes. Cases are heard by a panel of three dayanim (arbitration judges) or, on occasion, one dayan.

Expert Arbitration Judges

The dayanim who sit on cases include leading authorities on Jewish law, as well as lawyers and businessmen who are familiar with secular law and contemporary commercial practices. When appropriate, the Bet Din will either include expert professionals on an arbitration panel, or consult them as expert witnesses.

Procedural Fairness

The Beth Din maintains an impartial and confidential relationship with each of its clients. Hearings proceed in conformity with the Rules and Procedures of the Bet Din.

Legally Binding Rulings

Prior to having a case heard by the Bet Din, litigants are required to enter into a binding arbitration agreement. The Beth Din conducts its proceedings in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of secular arbitration law, so that the rulings of the Beth Din are legally binding and enforceable in the secular court system.

Fees

Typically, a din torah case is heard by a panel of three dayanim (arbitrators) at the rate of $390 per hour per side ($780 per hour total). Cases involving amounts in controversy of less than $20,000 are typically heard by a single dayan at the rate of $180 per hour per side ($360 per hour total).

There is a $200 filing fee for post-award charged to each party that submits a request for modification.