Since the introduction of the pre-Semicha program a year ago, the Yeshiva Lerabbonus in Pretoria South Africa has seen a growth in numbers, and a few other surprises.
As the Yeshiva closes for the Pesach zman we are able to reflect on the past 6 months, and it has been great.
The thought of having the knowledge and skills to apply halacha is tempting, but it takes hard work to get there. The latter hasn’t deterred the bochrim in any way though, and the top achievers really “horeve” to acquire their share of Shas and Poskim. Whether it’s the halachos of mezuza or bosor becholov, the Gemara or the Shulchan Aruch, both the semicha and pre-semicha, bochrim are self-motivated and conscientious…and the results show. One bochur commented that he felt such a sensation of satisfaction and fullness after a day’s toiling, that it almost felt like he had partaken of a heavy, delicious meal. And of course, the real success comes after the bochurim leave and call every so often with news of how they navigated a situation with their knowledge.
But there’s more, because the neiros also need opportunities to be meir, and what better way than by spending time with yidden in their homes, whether it’s lighting Chanukah licht or reading Megilla or just saying some warm words of inspirational encouragement. The wider community surrounding the yeshiva is our overflow, our terrain to reach out to and inspire. The broader Johannesburg Jewish community also benefits when our bochurim run Chabad Houses for a Shabbos or simply join and bring their infectious chayus to another community. Even the Kruger National Park merits to see the bochurim on Safari once a year.
Due to the high standard of learning and the rigorous testing involved, the semicha achieved after learning the two-year program, is recognized and honoured by the Rabbinical Council of America.
Enrolment for the coming year of 5780 is now open but despite the growth in numbers limited space is still available.
Our bochurim’s success is our own personal “nachas”, and we plan, with the Aibeshter’s help, to invest in many more bochurim’s futures with the golden opportunity afforded to so many already.
