On Tuesday evening, Chof Tes Sivan, June 12, community members, friends, and relatives of the bachurim of of Bais Toras Menachem in Los Angeles gathered for a unique evening of pride and joy, celebrating the eleventh Smicha celebration.
Some of the students completed their full Smicha, while others, parts thereof, who plan to continue to complete their Smicha this coming year bez’H. These milestones were reached after many months of study under the expert tutelage of renowned Rabbi Levi Chazan, BTM Smicha Maggid Shiur and noted Talmud Chacham in Los Angeles community.
The designated testing Rav for the specialized Smicha program is the esteemed Rabbi Elchanan Tauber, the Rov of K’hal Bais Yehuda of Los Angeles, who has been a strong proponent of the Program since its inception. He was extremely impressed with how well the bachurim grasped the material covered, and by their general dedication towards learning.
As a pre-requisite to earning Smicha, BTM bachurim must complete a specific quota of Halochos relevant to daily life from Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim. These efforts and good grades were recognized as well.
The evening was the crowning event to cap off a very special and successful tenth year. The boys gave over Divrei Torah, including a letter of the Rebbe to graduates, the Rebbe’s views on Smicha, a synopsis of Halochos they mastered, as well as sharing words from their heart about their fondness for the Yeshiva and its staff. The smiles on their faces speak for themselves.
Fairly new to BTM (just completing its second pilot program) is its partnership with TTI (Testing and training International), a program designed for frum students who would like to earn a Degree without going to secular college. Students are coached and guided through their own individual Degree plan so they can achieve a BA within two years (possibly even less if they have credits from previous Yeshivos) alongside their Smicha. BTM is an advocate of “Yafeh Talmud Torah im Derech Eretz” so students feel prepared with their Smicha in one hand – so they are the “Rabbis in their own home” – and their Degree in the other hand- to help pave the way for good parnassa.
Additionally, the bachurim enjoyed, throughout the year, a wide range of guest lectures, farbrengens, barbecues, music, martial arts, shabbatons and trips, including S. Francisco and the Grand Canyon. BTM enjoys the advantage of being within driving distance to many exceptional Shluchim who love hosting the boys and open their homes and hearts to them. The bachurim help the Shliach with programs and activities thus receiving hands on experience for future Shlichus opportunities. Thus, a ‘win-win’ situation!
The spacious yet cozy dormitory is beautiful and comfortable, and in close proximity to the Yeshiva’s host Shul, Congregation Levi Yitzchok, which once again welcomed the boys warmly into the LA Anash community. The food is abundant and nutritious.
Says a graduate: “I look back upon my year at BTM and realize how personalized it was. I felt empowered to grow and shine in my own special way. The staff encouraged me to be WHO I AM! Just brought out the best in me and showed me my true potential. With constant interaction with the Anash community in LA as well as with Shlichim all over CA, I gained confidence to communicate with all types of people. I discovered leadership qualities I did not know I owned, giving me a head start to my future goals.”
For more information about BTM, visit Smicha.net or call 323-495-3010. Registration is still open, although space is limited.
Photos: Avraham Zushe Goldin / [email protected]
Meir!!! Mazal Tov Chossid. You are such an inspiration.
So proud of you. Red & Blue
Had an amazing 2 years there!!
Highly recommend the Yeshiva!
Had a great two years at this smicha program!!!
JJ Polter, you are amazing guy. Can’t wait to see you soon
Good learning and Kosher fun!
Yasher koach Shmuly wilshansky and Mendel raksin for a great fun filled fulfilling year.. Trips, shabbaton, memorable farbrengens will warm my heart throughout my years ahead.
What’s the secret ?? Can use a dose of it in many Yeshivos 😉
What nachas and pride ! As a parent of an alumnus i can vouch that the Katz’s and staff treat these boys like their own, they’re part of extended BTM family. We are forever grateful for the two years our son spent in its four walls and HIGHLY recommend this program for any good bachur who wants to achieve but just needs something a bit more innovative and balanced than “mainstream “
So proud of these boys.. They’re the best !! Had them over for Shabbos many times and they light up our table, home, and lives by being part of the community always ready to help with a smile…
As an LA resident I’ve watched this incredible Mosad grow from a homeschool group to a superb Yeshiva which has proven over the past ten years that with hard work and passion for Chinuch, all obstacles can be overcome ! Kol hakovod ! Many should learn from them that rather than lament about what is lacking in our systems, be a part of the solution.
Continued Hatzlacha Mruba !