“Feelings of duty and obligation lead me to convey how significant this course was. I say duty because initially, I had serious doubts about finding the time for it. However, now, a year later, a magnificent space has opened up for me, and I am deeply grateful for having made the decision,” said Gabriel Teicher, a recently graduated student of the “Isur Veheter” course in Spanish of Lmaan Yilmedu Semicha program.
On Monday, June 17th, the Chag HaSemicha (‘graduation’) of the flagship course “Isur Veheter” for Spanish speakers took place in Crown Heights. This journey of knowledge and immense effort culminated beautifully with a ceremony at 770, where students were awarded with recognition and certificates for completing their studies. The dedication they put into this project over the past year undoubtedly bore fruit, and today they hold in their hands what they’ve always desired: all the knowledge they’ve gained and their Semicha certificate.
The Chag HaSemicha marked a significant milestone within another great event: the first major tour of ‘Lemaan Ilmedú’ across Latin America. Colombia, Panama, New York, Mexico, and Miami were the five destinations the program visited over nearly a month. The group visited more than 15 communities, delivering shiurim and presenting the project to both Baalei Batim and Rabanim.
During this tour, Lemaan Yilmedu presented both their online and in-person programs with the aim of establishing in-person shiurim of ‘Lemaan Ilmedú’ in the communities visited. The courses aim to cover all aspects of Jewish life: Shabbat, Kashrut, Oraj Jaim, Business and Halacha, and tools for studying Gemara, among others. Classes are held once a week, spanning a year. Upon completion, students receive a certificate endorsed by prominent rabbis such as Rav Gurary of Cholon and Rav Diskin of Kiryat Ata.
“This is a life-changing experience for individuals and their families. We offer a program of the highest caliber, an opportunity not to be missed for any Spanish-speaking Jew,” said Rav Binyamin Preminger, Director of the Spanish Division at the ‘Lemaan Ilmedú’ Institute.
As explained by his student Teicher, “This was a family process. They would go to sleep, and I would stay up studying. It moved me deeply when my children would say, ‘Father, we go to bed and you’re studying Torah; we wake up and you’re still studying Torah.’ I believe this is something very valuable and significant for the whole family.”
The program also has a platform and teaching methodology never seen before. “One of the great advantages of the course is how didactic it is; the presentations, the material, the Rabbi’s explanations, the way the content is transmitted, everything makes it easily accessible,” explained Teicher. It’s worth noting that students receive specially created materials in Spanish from the Institute, including the ‘Lemaan Ilmedú’ edition of the Shulchan Aruch, textbooks with summaries, review tables, presentations, and diagrams.
Gabriel Teicher will soon begin his second course on the halachot of Shabbat. “Investing in Torah study is worthwhile. It not only enhances one’s knowledge but also provides a different reasoning through Torah, igniting a desire for more. Of course, we will continue with the next course on the halachot of Shabbat; it brings much satisfaction,” he explained.
During classes, various customs and halachot are studied, welcoming students regardless of their level of observance or prior knowledge; what matters is their willingness to participate, which undoubtedly leads to success.
For more info on the program, visit https://lemaanilmedu.com/nuevosemestre
