Photos: Sadya Liberow/COLlive
Bochurim at Achei Temimim, Chovevei Torah in Crown Heights recently completed a portion of their Smicha course by studying Hilchos Melichah. Recognizing the importance of practical application of Halachah, the yeshiva’s Hanholah collaborated with the students on an interactive project aimed at providing hands-on Torah learning experiences.
The project involved the purchase, Shechitah, Kashrus, salting, cooking, and consumption of a goat, with the Shechitah being performed by the Smicha Menahel, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Cunin, Shu”b. Rabbi Cunin began the lesson by teaching the Bochurim about the various Chalafim used for Shechitah, the widely accepted opinion of the knife according to the Alter Rebbe, and the significance of Shechitas Lubavitch. Throughout the process, Rabbi Cunin involved many of the Bochurim, narrating and explaining the various Halachos at play. This included having Bochurim feel the kashrus of the lungs, get a chance to watch it fill with air and ensure they are Glaat.
According to Rabbi Shmuel Kesselman, director of the Achei Temimim Semichah program, the purpose behind the demonstration was not solely to provide the students with a unique opportunity to witness the various Halachos at play and engage in a hands-on Halachah related activity, but it was to offer much more than that. He expressed that “Teaching the Halachos of Melichah without seeing the process in real life is challenging. The degree of clarity that the Bochurim gain from seeing the Shechitah process, the Nikkur, the various types of blood, and the salt, etc. is more valuable than 100 hours of Shiurim.”
Special recognition was given to Rabbi Yossi Bryski for facilitating the demonstration, as well as the many Bochurim who were actively involved in ensuring that the Shechitah, Melichah, and Kashrus processes went smoothly. The project successfully provided the Bochurim with a meaningful and enriching learning experience that they will carry with them throughout their studies and beyond.
Best shoichet in lubavitch!