For whatever reason, not everyone is able to study for their Smicha degree when they are young and single, as a part of the Yeshiva “system.” This is the beauty of Online Smicha, run by Rabbi Nachman Wilhelm of St. Paul Minnesota.
Rabbi Wilhelm gives all these men the incredible opportunity to learn for their Smicha degree, something that many felt they lost out on the chance to do when they were young.
The online classes allow the students to have their careers and family, but to see that it’s never too late to accomplish something so incredibly important.
For these graduates, studying for Smicha takes an incredible amount of discipline not only from the student but from his family as well. Nights spent attending Shiurim, weekends spent studying for upcoming exams, all with supporting spouses and children standing by witnessing the fortitude and determination it takes to become a Rabbi.
On July 3rd, at the Razag Hall in Crown Heights, Online Smicha held their annual Chag HaSmicha – Rabbinic Ordination Ceremony. Over 120 guests were in attendance to witness and stand proudly as 14 students spanning the globe received their diplomas.
Rabbi Josh Krisch, Online Smicha graduate and newly appointed Shliach to Ithaca College, MC’d the event.
As a former student himself, Rabbi Krisch had a strong bond with Rabbi Wilhelm and returned to celebrate with the new graduates in a program he so firmly believes in. Rabbi Krisch charmed the crowd with his lighthearted humor and in depth introductions.
Rabbi Shmully Litvin – administrator of the Online Smicha program helped plan the event. Shmully has been working with Rabbi Wilhelm for over a year and is now a graduate of the program. Rabbi Shmully loves that this program enabled him to get his Smicha, something he always dreamed of doing but never thought it possible. He looks forward to continuing his learning in the Dayanus program later in the fall.
A gourmet four course fleishig lunch was served, and the afternoon event concluded with a gift of a Sefer that Rabbi Wilhelm has recently published, “Sefer Halichos Olom.” In keeping with the mantra of Yeshivas Machon Lhorah, the sefer is in a questions and answers format, spanning the entire Kitzur Shulchan Aruch.
A few weeks later, a second Chag HaSmicha took place in Los Angeles, CA for the students who were unable to attend on the East Coast. On Erev Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, students, family and friends joined together for a Hakhel Gathering – Chag HaSmicha in LA, honoring newly ordained Rabbi Mordechai Leaderman, and celebrating OLS graduate Rabbi Daniel Ganjain as well.
In attendance were local Rabbonim Rabbi Shimon Raitchik, Rabbi Schmukler, Rabbi Yisroel Hecht, Rabbi Bukiet, and others.
Online Smicha has expanded their offerings to enable everyone to study halacha online, with a live shiur, giving the complete yeshiva experience from the comfort of home. There are classes in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Smicha, Dayonus, Yomim Tovim, and a new class on Nisuin beginning after Yom Tov.
For more information about beginning or continuing your live study of Halacha, email [email protected] or visit onlinesmicha.com.
In attendance were local Rabbonim Rabbi Shimon Raitchik, Rabbi Schmukler, Rabbi Yisroel Hecht, Rabbi Bukiet, and Los Angeles is truly blessed to have these deeply committed and caring Charismatic leaders for our community
Josh! Way to go!
Your Rochester friends
Shimon, we’re so proud of all your accomplishments – you continue to astound us!
Hatzlacha Rabbah Bakol (B.L.)