Editing Archaos (Non-Jewish Courts) (section)

== Mitzvah to Judge in Beis Din ==
It is a Torah commandment to turn to a Beis Din that judges according to Torah law and to act according to its rulings and instructions. This mitzvah is included in the Rambam's Sefer HaMitzvos as Mitzvah 174: "We are commanded to listen to the Great Beis Din and do everything they command regarding prohibition and permission. There is no difference between matters they understand logically, matters they derive through the methods of Torah interpretation, matters they agree are Torah prohibitions, or matters they believe are correct and strengthen the Torah - we are obligated to listen and do everything and stand by their words without deviating. As Hashem says (Devarim 17:11) 'According to the Torah that they will teach you.' The Sifri says on 'whatever they tell you to do' - this is a positive commandment. The details of this mitzvah are explained at the end of Sanhedrin."

From the Rebbe's many letters, his holy opinion is clear regarding disputes requiring judgment - one must only turn to Beis Din and not to Archaos. (For example, from a letter the Rebbe sent to the leadership of Tzeirei Agudas Chabad in Eretz HaKodesh in 1966: "If any claims arise between you and the Tzeirei Agudas Chabad center that cannot be resolved - the Central Chabad Rabbinic Beis Din of Jerusalem should decide." Similarly from another letter sent in 1977 to the Tzach leadership in Eretz HaKodesh: "If you cannot clarify among yourselves all the details until no claims remain...both sides should appear promptly before the Rabbonim of Anash.")