CHJCC Vaad Hakohol Plans to Expand Beis Din, Election for Third Rav

By COLlive Reporter

On Erev Shabbos Parshas Mishpatim, 26 Shevat, the Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights released a letter to the community outlining a structured plan to strengthen and expand the operations of the Crown Heights Beis Din in the coming year.

In the letter, signed by Executive Director Meir Bukchin, the Vaad shared a three-part vision aimed at reinforcing halachic leadership, increasing accessibility for residents, and creating a more stable and organized foundation for the Beis Din to serve the community with dignity.

The first goal, the Vaad wrote, is to begin a gradual and organized expansion of Beis Din activity in the near term. This includes enhancing its day-to-day capacity to respond to community needs, all under the leadership and guidance of the Rabbanim.

The letter emphasized that every step of implementation will be taken only with the direction and bracha of the Rabbanim, and with full responsibility and transparency to the community.

A second key initiative is the structured integration of Morai Tzedek into the Beis Din framework. According to the plan, they would provide halachic guidance to the public within a consistent and accountable system, under the Rabbanim’s oversight.

The Vaad indicated that it hopes to begin a “soft opening” of this initiative and make practical progress within the next ninety days, b’ezras Hashem.

The third component of the plan involves working together with the Netzigim Shul representatives to prepare an organized process toward elections for an additional Rav to serve on the Beis Din. As feasible, and with the agreement of the Rabbanim, further steps may be taken to strengthen rabbinic leadership.

Throughout the letter, the Vaad stressed the importance of partnership with the Rabbanim of the neighborhood’s shuls and with community representatives, noting its desire to hear input, coordinate responsibly, and ensure that the Rabbanim’s direction is communicated clearly and faithfully.

The Vaad also addressed the practical realities of sustaining and expanding Beis Din operations. In recent weeks, fundraising efforts have already begun, with outreach to many residents. These efforts are expected to continue and expand in order to provide for the salaries of the Rabbanim and Morai Tzedek—both veteran and new—as well as the institutional and operational needs required for the Beis Din to properly serve the public.

The Vaad concluded by calling on the entire Crown Heights community to become partners in the effort—through support, unity around the outlined goals, and practical participation as the plan moves forward.

“With Hashem’s help,” the letter states, “together we can build a strong and dignified Beis Din that will truly serve the needs of the community and strengthen Torah and halacha in our neighborhood.”