Halacha Initiative

[North Miami Beach, Florida] – In a groundbreaking initiative, the law firm of Stok Kon + Braverman has partnered with Kollel Zichron Michel of North Miami Beach, Florida, to promote the use of Bes Din (Jewish law courts) for alternative dispute resolution. This collaboration under the auspices of the Bes Din Maysharim in Lakewood, New Jersey, marks a significant step in integrating traditional Jewish legal principles with contemporary legal practices, particularly in the area of conflict resolution.

The Bes Din system offers a unique alternative to the standard civil court procedures. Rooted in ancient Jewish law, these courts are known for their ethical and moral approach to dispute resolution. The process is typically quicker, less expensive, and considered a more brotherly and amicable way to bury the hatchet than the often lengthy and adversarial nature of civil litigation. Bes Din proceedings are conducted by a panel of Dayanim (judges) who are well-versed in Jewish law and its practical application to modern-day scenarios. Their decisions are not only legally binding but are also enforced by a strong sense of community.

Led by its principals, Robert A. Stok and Joshua R. Kon, Stok Kon + Braverman’s collaboration with Kollel Zichron Michel aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the benefits of using Bes Din. The partnership is excited to announce the second year of its T4 Business Halacha Initiative. This was created to emphasize that the 4th Tur volume of the Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat – the often-overlooked business portion of Jewish law – is just as central to living a proper Torah life. Business is not “just business,” as they say. Rather, our yiras Hashem (awe of our Creator) is best and most manifest in how we choose to conduct ourselves with our business and money.

The T4 Initiative includes a series of Florida Bar CLE-accredited educational programs and symposiums orchestrated by the Kollel under the command of the Roshei Kollel, Rabbi Yakov Tzvi Bleger and Rabbi Ahron Dovid Singer, focusing on the principles of Jewish law and the real-world functioning of the Bes Din. These sessions, including a Choshen Mishpat Chaburah of local shul Rabanim, are presented by distinguished Talmidei Chachamim and Dayanim from around the world and are designed to inform lawyers, business professionals, and community leaders about the intricacies of the Bes Din process and how it can be applied to various types of matters and disputes, including commercial and neighborhood conflicts.

The T4 Initiative seeks to incorporate principles of Halacha into secular business practices and to infuse those practices with legally-binding and Halachically-compliant agreements such as wills, trusts, real estate contracts and other business agreements. The goal is to harmonize secular and Jewish law in structuring legal arrangements so that business leaders can consistently navigate both the secular legal landscape and Torah law. With Hashem’s help, we hope that cities will replicate the pioneering model of the T4 Initiative across the globe. Please feel free to contact the firm or Kollel for more information or to get involved.

The T4 Initiative is being done le’iel nishmas פרץ בן אלתר אליעזר. He was a strong part of the business Halacha movement. May his Neshama have a complete and speedy aliyah.