Test for Bais Toras Menachem of LA

On Tuesday, Chof Gimel Adar, the bachurim of Bais Toras Menachem (“BTM”) Smicha Program were tested on the chelek “Basar B’chalav” in Yoreh Deiah, an integral element of the academic requirements for Rabbinic ordination.

The students were tested by Rabbi Elchonon Tauber, Dayan and Rov of Congregation Beis Yehuda in Los Angeles.

Taught by the renowned Maggid Shiur Rabbi Levi Chazan, the students spent several months of intense study to prepare for this important test. Rabbi Chazan is known for his warm enthusiastic style, transmitting the limudim in a way which is both interesting and relevant.

Rabbi Tauber was extremely impressed with the wide array of knowledge the boys exhibited on the subject; the bachurim were able to answer many practical questions which portrayed their keen understanding of the Halochos.

The proud Tmimim are: Hatamim Yehuda Polter, Hatamim Shmuel Mendel Tenenbaum, Hatamim Mendy Myhill, Hatamim Meir Newman, Hatamim Moshe Scheiner, Hatamim Yona Elharar, Hatamim Yaakov Yosef Blanton, Hatamim Shaya Kohn, Hatamim Chonya Morozow, Hatamim Shneur Goldin.

Other recent highlights during this current zman include a personal live lecture with Rabbi Manis Friedman who responded to their hard hitting questions, primarily about “Shidduch Readiness for Bachurim”. BTM recognizes the great importance of addressing these issues while the boys are at the threshold of their future. BTM hopes to continue these discussions so its bachurim are not only equipped with Smicha and some secular education, but are prepared for their true Tachlis as future husbands and fathers.

Click here to view the lecture (scroll down to March 1 under “shidduch readiness for bachurim”) which was also livestreamed and recorded, later viewed by close to 2,000 people.

The bachurim of BTM also earned a road trip to the Grand Canyon, first spending Shabbos and Purim with Rabbi Mendy Deitsch, Shliach in Chandler, Arizona. They helped out with Purim preparations, Mivtzoim, and besides leining the Megillah, they also brought a lot of joy and chizuk to the residents at the Rennaissance retirement facility. Here is what its administrator had to say:

“Just wanted to let you know the boys did a great job at the Renaissance. Besides the reading, they had a conversation with Irv in Yiddish and even had him lay Teffilin. If you have any contact with their Rosh Yeshiva, you should let him know that the boys brought a little Yiddishkeit to some old folks, and brought them a bit closer to HaShem…”

BTM is in its ninth year k’ah, catering to fine bachurim who are very capable and want to combine their Smicha learning with other academic options, and balance their Yeshiva experience with a wholesome education and a social curriculum. In addition to the traditional Shiurim in Chassidus, Halacha and G’mara, BTM has partnered with TTI, a frum Program which is contracted with many Colleges, and offers a BA. Many credits are obtainable through the study of Limudei Kodesh which are taught as part of the BTM curriculum, such as Gemara, Halacha, Jewish History, and Chumash with Rashi, so students can earn their degree without stepping into any secular environment. To help prepare students for the more secular courses, BTM offers Instruction in English, Math (including Algebra and Geometry for those who are ready), Biology, Statistics and more.

Students are also engaged in a wide array of extracurricular activities such as martial arts, music, farbrengens, hikes and Shabbatons. Furthermore, students are actively involved in assisting the community and local Shluchim with a variety of activities as well as spending Shabbosim at various Shluchim throughout Southern California where they add chayus and joy wherever they go. BTM is a fusion of many worlds under one roof, and the warm, caring and dedicated staff are the ‘icing on the cake’!

A few short testimonials from some happy parents:

“I am so grateful to Bais Toras Menachem for inspiring my son to know and do what is right.”

“I have never had anyone, let alone a M’chanech, take such strong interest in my son’s wellbeing..”

“If BTM was established JUST so my son could succeed and shine, “dayeinu” it would be worthwhile!”

Registration is now open for next year and dorm space is available on a ‘first come, first served basis’. For more information you can view www.Smicha.net or call Rabbi or Mrs. Mordechai Katz at 323-495-3010.