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Badatz facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A Badatz is a special Jewish court. It's a Hebrew word that means "court of justice." Think of it as a group of wise rabbis who help people follow Jewish law. These courts are very important in many Jewish communities around the world.

In Israel, the word Badatz is often used to talk about a specific court called the Badatz of the Edah HaChareidis. However, many other Jewish courts also use the name Badatz. These courts are often known for giving kosher certificates. This means they check food and products to make sure they follow Jewish dietary laws.

For a long time, Jewish communities have had a "beit din," which is another name for a Jewish court. Often, the main rabbi of a city would lead this court. Today, in some very religious Jewish communities, three Jewish judges work together as a local Badatz.

Badatz Courts in Israel

In Israel, a Badatz is not seen as a main court by the country's laws. Some Badatz courts, especially those from very religious communities, do not follow the laws of the State of Israel. Their decisions are based on Jewish law (called halakha), not on the country's legal system.

Different Badatz Courts

Many different rabbinical courts use the title Badatz. Here are some examples:

  • The Badatz Edah HaChareidis from Jerusalem
  • The Badatz Igud Rabbonim led by Rabbi Osher Yaakov Westheim
  • The Badatz Chassam Sofer from Bnei Brak, with Rabbis Shmuel Eliezer Stern and Yitzchok Shlomo Ungar
  • The Badatz Mehadrin of Rabbi Simcha HaKohen Kook and Rabbi Avraham Rubin
  • The Badatz Machzikei HaDas of Belz
  • The Badatz Beit Yosef of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
  • The Badatz Agudas Yisroel
  • The Badatz Yoreh Deah of Rabbis Shlomo Machpoud and Ovadia Yosef
  • The Badatz Chug Chassam Sofer of Rabbi A. Wosner
  • The Badatz of the Hisachdus Kehilas Hayereim
  • The Badatz of Toronto of Rabbi Amram Assayag
  • The Badatz Rabbinical Court, which is based in Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, and has courtrooms in other parts of the U.S.
  • The Badatz Mekor Haim, based in Queens, New York, USA, of Rabbi Eliyahu Ben Haim
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Badatz Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.