In Jewish tradition, a judge or magistrate who interprets Jewish law and settles disputes within the community.
From Hebrew 'dayyan,' derived from 'din' meaning judgment or law. The term has been used since biblical times for those who render legal decisions according to Jewish tradition.
A dayan had to memorize enormous portions of Jewish law and could be as influential as a modern judge, but they served voluntarily out of religious duty rather than for a salary.
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