By COLlive reporter
Students of Online Smicha’s Standard and Accelerated tracks were recently tested by leading rabbis who tuned in via video conferencing from Sydney, London, Toronto and Brooklyn.
These aspiring Rabbis, each learning one of 5 sedarim of laws needed for official ordination, converged to be tested in subjects like Basar B’Chalav, Ta’aruvos, Melicha, Shabbos, and Ma’achalei Akum.
The tests were given after months of online learning and preparation that included interactive video classes with Rabbi Nachman Wilhelm , dean of the program.
Specially prepared charts, review questions, chavrusas and online forums were made available to them through this personally-tailored smicha program.
Rabbi Dovid Schochet, President of the Toronto Rabbinical Council and member of Vaad Rabbonei Lubavitch, tested on Isur V’Heter.
Those who recently finished Online Smicha’s seder on Shabbos were tested by Rabbi Baruch Hertz, Rav of Kehilas Lubavitch Chicago and Congregation Bnei Ruven.
Rabbi Moshe Gutnik of the Beis Din in Sydney, Australia tested a group in Hilchos Melicha and Dayan Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Raskin of London, England focused on Ma’achalei Isurim, including pas, bishul, and chalav akum.
During the Hilchos Melicha test with Rabbi Gutnik, the test was conducted over Skype still on the heels of hurricane Sandy.
With electricity still out in parts of the Rockaways, a student by the name of Avi logged in with a bit of mesiras nefesh to attend one of the online tests.
Avi made use of an open wireless connection from his car with a laptop and flashlight as he answered questions and referred to his Shluchan Aruch.
Talmidim from the program’s Standard track also recently enjoyed a guest shiur led by well-respected world traveling Schochet Rabbi Leibel Turk.
Rabbi Turk, who broadcast from Brooklyn, New York, spoke about the practical applications of Halacha both in Shechita and Melicha.
One of the guests joining the class was Jewish music superstar Lipa Schmeltzer, who founded the Airmont Shul near Monsey, NY, and began learning for smicha in the beginning of the 5773 year.
Those who completed the 5 sections of the program on this recent go around of tests received smicha certificates hand-inked by a professional sofer.
In addition to the Standard and Accelerated tracks, a new Bochurim Track in partnership with the Shluchim Office and the Shluchim Online School is well underway learning Hilchos Basar B’Chalav.
New programs starting next month include STAIRS (Smicha Training and Advanced Institute for Rabbinical Studies) with Track 1 designed to cover the laws of Kiddushin and Yechusin (targeting the Pulpit Rabbi), and a General Knowledge course that offers weekly shiurim on halacha, shulchan aruch, and its history (primarily designed for those seeking background in Pre-Simcha).
For more info, visit: www.onlinesmicha.com
It is so rare to find an individual who has the combination of being so brilliant and thoroughly knowledgeable and at the same time so caring, sensitive and devoted. Rabbi Schochet is a blessing to the Toronto community and the Chabad community at large. Wishing him health and strength.
Mazel Tov from the Segals!
I personally witnessed Rabbi Wilhelm receive Smicha in half a year. Rabbi Yisroel Pikarski was amazed at what a Gaon he is and tested him privately , only with his Chavrusah. For Rabbi Wilhelm to be such an outstanding Talmid Chocham and have the kindness of his sweet father , Reb A vrohom,is a great treasure to all his many talmidim and the entire Lubavitch.
it is just amazing how amazing it is!
Who’s the GI?
Mcnabb how’s the dodgers
I am 95% sure it is Rabbi Wilhems father obm.
Mazal Tov!
Best one out there!
The best Shechita Teacher
Way to go! From your fans in Western MA
keep up the great work Rabbi Nachman WIlhelm