BTM of LA Celebrates 11th Smicha Reception

“Mazal Tov Mazal Tov upon the eleventh Celebration of Bais Toras Menachem saluting its graduates of the past year of Limudim 5779!”

On Wednesday evening, Tes Zayin Sivan, June 19, community members, friends, and relatives of the bachurim of Bais Toras Menachem of Los Angeles gathered for a unique evening of pride and joy.

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, the Smicha Maggid Shiur and a noted Talmud Chacham in Los Angeles community.

The designated testing Rav for the specialized Smicha program is the esteemed HoRav 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 eleventh 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, bbq’s, sports, shabbatons, many hikes and trips. 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. Some groups even went up North to help Shluchim with their Purim events. 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 BH abundant and nutritious, and of course, you can’t beat the weather:)

Says graduate Dovid Shakarov: “I really felt cared for at Bais Toras Menachem, both b’gashmiyus and b’ruchniyus..made close friends and very much enjoyed exposure to lost of great Shluchim. Rabbi Chazan is an outstanding and skilled teacher!”

For more information about BTM, visit Smicha.net or call 323-495-3010. Registration is open, although space is limited.