New Smicha Program in Manhattan

By COLlive reporter

This past year marked the launch of a new smicha program, Machon Lehora’ah, established by Rabbi Raphael Benchimol, spiritual leader of Manhattan Sephardic Congregation and Director of Aleph Learning Center, and under the guidance of Rosh Yeshiva and Magid Shiur Rabbi Mendel Bennish.

The pioneer Smicha graduates are rabbis Michoel Benjamin, Menachem Biston, Avraham Flinkenstein, Shmuli Kendall, Binyomin Lerner and Mendy Sternbach.

The designated “testing Rav” for the Smicha program is the renowned and widely respected posek, Rabbi Yitzchok Yehuda Yaroslavsky, Chief Rabbi of Kiryat Malachi and head of Chabad Beis Din in Israel. Rabbi Yaroslavsky stated how impressed he was by the students’ overall dedication to their studies and their grasp of the material.

This Smicha program, located on the Upper East Side (UES) of Manhattan, aims to combine top level learning in a serene atmosphere with outreach, in order to enhance the growth and spirituality of the community. Programs include teaching at the Free Hebrew after-school program and learning with members of the community.

The UES Jewish community has been greatly impressed by the rabbinical students in the program.

“We are extremely proud and impressed by the diligence, efforts and Yiras Shamayim shown by the Bochurim throughout the year. We are certain the knowledge and skills they have acquired here at MSC will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Rabbi Benchimol, shliach and founding rabbi of the congregation.

Rabbis Benchimol and Bennish presented Smicha certificates to the students who successfully completed the four chalokim (sections) of the Code of Jewish Law; completing them is required for ordination.

Involved is learning Hilchos Basar Bechalav, Taaruvos, Melicha, and Shabbos, accompanied by knowledge of halachic authorities Tur, Beis Yosef, Mechaber, Rama, Shach, Taz, Pri Megodim and many other commentaries.

These new rabbis achieved that status through countless hours of study under Rabbi Bennish. Rabbi Yaroslavsky thanked Rabbi Bennish for all his hard work and devotion, as well as his efforts and caring regarding the personal needs of the bochurim.

“For the first time, I really enjoyed getting involved in a sugya. I never spent so many hours learning consecutively, while developing a geshmak as well. I really appreciate the directors’ care and help throughout the year,” one bochur stated.

“As we embark upon our second year, we are very enthusiastic about achieving new heights in terms of what this program has to offer. We look forward to accommodating many more sincere bochurim who can appreciate the beauty and benefits of a rich Yeshiva/Smicha learning experience, offered in a well balanced, positive and warm environment,” said Rabbi Benchimol.

“This year was truly remarkable in many respects,” said Rabbi Bennish. “We greatly appreciate the dedication of MSC and of all the donors for making this program possible.”