Semicha

Led by Rabbi Yechiel Meir Bender, the Yoreh Yoreh Semicha Program covers Jewish laws dealing with the following subjects:

• Basar B'chalav/Ta'aruvos
• Taharas Mishpacha
• Shabbos
• Other Practical Halachic Topics

You’ll focus on academic areas that address the needs of your chosen specialized field of rabbinic activity, such as education, public speaking, homiletics and psychology. If you are pursuing pulpit positions you will be assigned to internships with a practicing rabbi.

Course Methodology

The delivery of semicha program instruction is based on a three-year cycle of actual coursework. This enables you to join the program at any point of transition between one subject and the other, (often coinciding with the semester breaks) and remain in the program until you complete the full cycle of prescribed coursework. During the full coursework cycle, you may be involved with chavrusas, study partners, who are just starting the cycle or are in the final stages of their coursework cycle. As such, you will have the opportunity to gain from the experience of more advanced students as well as sharpen your own skills in assisting students just beginning the program.

You are directed to prepare on your own the appropriate sections of the Gemara and the Tur and Beis Yosef for each chapter in the Shulchan Aruch during the two days prior to beginning each new topic. Every day the student is responsible to prepare the Mechaber and Ramah, along with the Shach and Taz that will be discussed on the following day. In each class session the textual material will be reviewed and discussion will focus on assuring complete mastery of the daily topic. Other commentators, such as Rabbi Akiva Eger, Pischei Teshuva, Chavas Da’as and Pri Megadim will be introduced and their divergent and complementary opinions will be analyzed in-depth. The analysis of each topic/chapter will be highlighted with the practical halachic procedures and outcomes after consideration of modern Jewish legal scholarship and authorities.

After completing your coursework, you will usually spend an additional period of time reviewing the material in preparation for the comprehensive subject area examinations. The oral exams, along with class participation constitute the grade for the course. While sitting for examinations in some areas may take place concurrent with ongoing coursework in other areas, many opt to take the examinations after a period of intensive review.