- Halacha
- General Questions
Bais Din
Question
Can a Ger serve on a Bais Din?
Answer
Shalom,
There are many different opinions regarding your question, all of them cited by R. Eliezer Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer vol. 19, ch. 47). Many (like the Aruch HaShulchan) say that it’s okay if his father was Jewish, which, incidentally is very often the case among (most?) converts today (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 7, 1). The Rashbatz brings that Shmaya and Avtalyon, the heads of the Sanhedrin were converts to Judaism, and accordingly, it would be allowed. On the other hand, the Rambam says that it is prohibited. If so, some explain that if they are the greatest scholars available at the time in a certain place, than it is allowed. Many (e.g. the Knesset HaGedola, Aruch HaShulchan, etc.) say that if the parties involved accept him as a dayan (which is usually the case), than there’s no problem, but the Nodah B’Yehuda, disagrees. If you are asking for a particular ger who wants very much to be a dayan, you can tell him that if he invests sufficient time and effort into his learning, there are more than enough places and situations where he can serve as a dayan on a Beit Din!
With Love of Israel!
Rav Ari Shvat

Bithiah, Pharoah and baby Moshe
Rabbi Ari Shvat |

Role of hobbies in our lives according to Judaism
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 17, 5779

Tallit Kattan Repair
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tishrei 17, 5777

water
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Sivan 21, 5782

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Goyim at Shul/hashkafah of Shul
Adar II 1, 5771

Evils Spirits & Ghosts
Adar II 25, 5771

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

Orlah fruit trees
Adar I 5, 5771

Bracha at cemetery
Various Rabbis | 7 Nisan 5766

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775
Jewelry for men
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Adar 21, 5770

Shaitels for non-married women
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 29, 5779

Talmud
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 4, 5783
Praying with people placing Tefillin on forehead?
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783

Does God Have Feelings?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 24, 5783
