Can a Gentile raise an issue with a Jew in a temple court?

I think it's admirable of you to consider taking this up before a beit din rather than a civil court. These things can pretty much always be resolved by talking it out man to man rather than hiding behind the big book of the law.

I believe you can do that. Contact your local Orthodox shul and ask how to form a beit din in the area.

EDIT: For those not familiar w/ the term, I should clarify that Jewish court is by no means a way to sidestep the law. Jewish laws are much more stringent, especially in matters of money, and the asker's son will definitely be compensated.

A beit din is comprised of three rabbis who hear both sides of the case and then advise the parties on how to rectify the situation. It's like a mediation, meaning that it's advice and not meant to construe a court's final decision. You can always refuse their ruling and go on to a civil court.

I would call them and see what is going on, Jew or not, religious or not, people can have problems. With the economy the way it is, I am not surprised so many are down on their luck, over 20% of the Jewish community is poor. Every day the kosher food panties run out of food. There are hundreds waiting for a place to live after losing their jobs from a company that moved to China, Mexico or India. Look at Dell, spent 2 hrs on the phone with someone I couldn't understand their "English" to solve a problem, only to be told, it was a software thing and they do not guarantee any software, even if they put it on their machine .... so I ended up with a 20 lbs. desk top paperweight. Just wish we had more Americans working and the little Jewish bakery was still open, they made such great breads and cakes ....

As with anyone that owes you money, and having been in my own business, I called first, if they didn't have the money, no matter what religion they were, I would settle for a payment plan. If nothing can be done or you don't get a good answer, there is small claims court, you don't need a lawyer and the other side has to pay the fees and the judge will hear both sides, just bring your documents, witnesses and anything else that will help, sometimes you will end up with a payment plan set up by the judge if the family is in financial trouble now, as so many are. I had to take a few people to court, never knew what religion or country they were from, just knew I was owed money and tried to collect.

I even tried the police route with a $9500 check ... the company actually was going by a Catholic non-profit and they had no permission to use the funds for the work we did. They couldn't find the person that gave me the check or said they never heard of him ... it might have been a scam all along for both sides. But I was out $9500.

Lawyers cost too much unless you have one in the family. Going to the local rabbis might help, but they would want both sides to sit down and talk first. If you are in the right, God willing, they can offer assistance, but if the family is now poor, it is a hard decision. My son's former boss owns my son money, but the company went bellyup, but the work was done at his home, so, my son will wait he says.

Of course, if the family does have the money, then by all means call, then if no results, go to small claims, at least you can get your money sooner without a lawyer. Good luck.

In general, the answer to your question is Yes. However, check with the laws in your state as to what legal power the Jewish court has over civil matters. In many states, a Jewish court is considered akin to binding arbitration.

The advantage to using a Jewish court is speed. A normal small claims court can take months to schedule, a Jewish court will take just a few days....assuming those who wrote the bad check can be found. FYI...from your description, it sounds pretty open and shut...which will obviously work in your son's favor.

But before going to that extreme, send a certified letter demanding payment. If it is refused or ignored, then go to court.

You could take this up with his synagogue or Rabbi, but you have a much better remedy available to you through the civil court system. Also your local government authorities have much greater power of enforcement than a rabbi or synagogue would.

In most jurisdictions you can sue for up to 3 times the amount of the check. Doing so is advisable as it acts as an incentive for them to settle before going to court.

Orthodox Jews aren't like Reform, Conservative or Reconstructionist Jews.

The Orthodox remind me of evangelical christians because they are very literal about the bible and rituals.

I'm shocked to hear what happened to your son. Of course your son can take them to court, because right is right - and what they did was wrong. I sad that people like that give all Jews a bad name, when most Jews are the nicest and most fun people you could ever meet.

answer: I believe you could request to talk before a rabbinical court but you'd have better luck in civil court. Depending on where you live, a rabbinical court doesn't have legal weight in civil matters.

Consult a lawyer and treat them as you would any other person who did not pay. They are subject to all the civil laws you are.

Writing bad checks is a crime. Call the cops.

speak to them or really he should if this is true.