Talmudic University - Alfred and Sadye Swire College of Judaic Studies - Educational Programs

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Educational Programs

Ordination

The Yeshiva’s Semicha Program trains young scholars to analyze and decide questions of Jewish Law. Additionally, the Yeshiva strives to imbue each Rabbi-in-training with the skills necessary to deal with human and community issues, and the ability to assume the role of a community leader. The Semicha graduate will be skilled in all areas of Jewish communal life.

In today's society, the role of the Rabbi is as varied as the Jewish community. Some Rabbis are primarily teachers, others function as leaders of Kehillos (congregations), others delve into the areas of Kashrus (dietary law). The Semicha Program provides a well-rounded curriculum while emphasizing the specific area in which the Rabbinic student is planning to devote himself.

Specialization in certain areas, such as the art of circumcision and ritual slaughter, is not part of the general program, but is offered upon request.

Semicha Requirements


	Students must complete a four-year Talmudic Bachelor Degree and two years of post-graduate Talmudic work before acceptance into the Semicha Program. (A Masters Degree is not required for acceptance.)

	The Talmudic University of Florida requires all students be on campus for at least two years before acceptance into this program. This may be fulfilled on the undergraduate or graduate level prior to acceptance into the Semicha Program.

	The student must attend two lectures per week while maintaining a heavy schedule of independent study under close supervision of the Rosh HaYeshiva.

	The student must complete the appropriate sections of the Talmud (Chullin) and Yoreh Deah in the Shulchan Aruch, after which he must submit to the Rosh HaYeshiva the appropriate oral and written series of examinations.

The student’s success in the Semicha program is not primarily dependent on the number of hours of his study, but on his ability to master these sections of the Talmud and Yoreh Deah, and to successfully complete the final examinations. The required sections Yorah Deah to be mastered are:

	The laws of Malicha [salting meat].

	The laws of Basar v’chalav [meat and milk].

	The laws of Taaruvos [forbidden mixtures].

The student must also master the corresponding sections of the tractate Chullin to successfully complete his examinations.