Creators Unveil Secrets: "This Series Features Fascinating Events"

Today (Tuesday) it's happening: the new series 'Batei Hadin' will premiere on Hidabroot channel. "For 21 years, I've been working in production and media," says Raviv Zak, 43, married and father of six, living in Netanya, a veteran ba'al teshuva responsible for numerous beloved programs on Hidabroot, including the new series. "However, I only started scriptwriting after I returned to religious observance. Unlike other shows where the story and characters often need to be fabricated, for 'Batei Hadin' we decided to present real cases with definitive rulings and simply tell the story behind them."

So, what is this new series about?

"In this series, very interesting and unique events occur. We actually illustrate real and captivating cases that were carefully selected and brought before financial courts, show the arguments of both sides, including their lawyers, and finally reveal the verdict. The story itself is told by the characters in each episode, and even the judge is played by the talented actor Morris Cohen. However, the lawyers are not actors but real lawyers — Eitan Raziel and Guy Neuman."

"Later, we will also cover cases that reached Rabbi Batzri's court, but most of the cases we have already filmed were taken from the rulings of Rabbi Yitzhak Zilberstein and brought to life with the help of our talented team."

The Claims, Witnesses, and Verdict

Intriguing. Give an example.

"For instance, one episode deals with a couple who, in the midst of their wedding, ran off with all the money, without paying the banquet hall owner. When he realized what happened, he sued the guests for the meals and asked them to pay for what they ate. The guests, in turn, claimed they had already paid — they wrote a check to the couple. This case reached the court, with questions about whether they had to pay, how much, etc., leading to a very interesting ruling. Those who watch the series will hear it in detail. There will be, baruch Hashem, dozens of excellent episodes, and this is just a small example."

How was the behind-the-scenes work carried out?

"The work was very unique. There's something special that only happens in this series — I choose the most intriguing cases, then turn them into text for the actors, just like any regular script. This text is sent to the lawyers, each chooses a side, and they return the text with their arguments. After it comes back to me, I write their arguments into the script and, of course, include the original verdict."

Do the lawyers, who are not actors, know what the verdict is?

"The lawyers do not know what the verdict is, which makes everything much more interesting. They write their arguments without knowing the judge's decision, because if I tell them the decision, they could write their arguments accordingly to look good. For example, if I tell them that in the wedding case the judge ruled that the guests need to pay the hall owner two-thirds of the meal's cost, they might argue that this is what they think should happen, rather than saying what they truly believe."

Was there a particular case you enjoyed writing about?

"All the cases are strong and interesting, but we especially enjoyed doing the episode with the barbecue and the fire brigade. It involves a man having a barbecue on his balcony, seventh floor, sitting relaxed, when suddenly a firefighter appears in front of him on a giant ladder, with a hose in hand, and puts out the barbecue.

"The man can't believe his eyes, shouting at the firefighter for what he did. The firefighter tells him someone reported a fire and he's just doing what was expected. The firefighter explained that someone saw flames and smoke coming from the seventh floor, saw waving hands, and thought it was a fire. Beyond the damage to the food, etc., a charge of 1,500 shekels was made for calling the firetruck. Neither side agreed to pay, and the case went to court. The rest of the story will be seen in one of the upcoming episodes."

Fascinating Life Cases

"It all started with a phone call I received from the director of the Hidabroot channel," shares Alon Hamawi, the series director, about his role in 'Batei Hadin'. Hamawi, 40, married and father of one, living in Ramat Gan, is a recognized actor, director, and creator in the industry, who in recent years has moved closer to a life of Torah and mitzvot, and naturally collaborates occasionally with the Hidabroot channel. "Itai told me they wanted to make a show about courts and had a role they'd like to interest me in.

"The offer was for me to play the series' reporter and host, so I read the scripts, thought they were excellent, and decided to go for it. Shortly after, I asked who was directing, they said they hadn't decided yet, and in the end, we went for it too. I'm very happy with the result; baruch Hashem, we have an amazing show."

What do you think is unique about the series?

"There are many special things, but one of the beautiful aspects of the series is that each time, a different captivating life case is taken, illustrated into an interesting court discussion, and through this, one learns halacha, engages in Torah, and gains Torah insight. I would be very pleased if viewers learned from these issues. They can take them further into their own lives, and I hope my role helps with that.

"My role in the series is to stay neutral. I talk to both sides before the discussion, ask them questions, they present the problem, and then they enter the discussion. Occasionally, the reporter, whom I portray, asks the lawyers questions even during the discussion. I've been acting for over 15 years, participated in shows on HOT, Keshet, YES, and more, and amidst all of this, I think we're doing tremendous work here."

"The process of spiritual strengthening started for me five years ago," adds Hamawi, "and since then, it continues slowly. Over time I took on more and more things, and today, baruch Hashem, I observe Shabbat, lay tefillin, study regularly, etc."

Before we conclude, share an interesting experience that happened during filming.

"My height is two meters, the ceiling in the studio where we filmed the series is relatively low, and on the first day of filming, I didn't notice there was a lamp on the ceiling — and I hit it with my head. Now I laugh about it, but then I just doubled over in pain. I hope we'll film the next season in the big studio."