Our History
The MBD has existed in various iterations. The first Beth Din was set up under the guidance of the Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth in the 1800’s. This was the first Beth Din in the British Empire outside of London.
Following the tenure of Sholom Gutnick a restructure of the MBD was undertaken under the joint control of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) and the Council of Orthodox Synagogue of Victoria (COSV). Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick was appointed as senior judge.
In 2017 the MBD conducted a wide-ranging review of its procedures that included rabbis currently sitting on the Beth Din, other communal rabbis, and lay people. The MBD is in the process of implementing many suggestions that arose from the review.
The MBD Board oversees a confidential feedback process to ensure best practice in all areas of service. We encourage all our users and interested parties to use this service.
The MBD is recognised by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and all major international Batei Din including the important areas of conversion, Jewish divorce (Gittin) and the establishment of Jewish status (Birur Yahadus).
The MBD is committed to maintaining a transparent and just service for all who use the services of the MBD.