This past week, Machon Lemaan Yilmedu held a series of examinations for students across its various study tracks, following approximately half a year of dedicated study of halacha.
The series of tests began with Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Marlow, rabbi of the Chabad community in North Miami Beach, who tested students studying Hilchos Shabbos and subsequently examined students in the Orach Chaim study program.
This was followed by an exam conducted by Rabbi Tuvia Kasimov, a moreh tzedek in Crown Heights, for students in the Semicha program in Issur V’Heter. The exam was held via Zoom for students from across the United States and even from other countries around the world, during which the students demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Hilchos Basar B’chalav, including the rulings of the Mechaber and the major halachic commentators.
In a separate exam, students were tested on Hilchos Mikvaos, as well as Hilchos Shabbos in the advanced track, by Rabbi Gedalya Oberlander, Rav of the Chabad community in Kingston, Pennsylvania. This exam was also held via Zoom, with most participants being shluchim who are studying these halachos in order to build a mikveh in their communities.
Along with the series of Zoom exams, an in-person exam was held with Rabbi Gavriel Zinner — author of the Nitei Gavriel series — at his beis medrash in Boro Park. The exam was taken by students of the Semicha program, alongside those studying Orach Chaim and students of the Safrus track.
For a full hour, Rabbi Zinner examined the students and expressed admiration for their great dedication to the practical study of halacha — particularly on the part of people who work during the week to earn a livelihood, yet uphold both halves of the partnership: that of Yissachar and that of Zevulun. He encouraged them to continue investing in their studies, and paid tribute to the memory of Rabbi Zushe Wilhelm a”h, who served as director of the Machon in the United States and led the revolution in the study of halacha in Chabad.
At the conclusion of the exam, Rabbi Chaim Yisroel Wilhelm thanked Rabbi Zinner for examining the students and for the guidance he has provided to Lemaan Yilmedu since its founding. He wished him that he merit to continue leading his community for many long years, until the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu, speedily in our days.
