YTD Semicha Program in Tsfat Opens Registration for 9th Year

Enrollment is now open for Yeshiva Temimei Darech of Tsfat’s Semicha Program where advanced bochurim have the unique opportunity to learn for ordination in the shadow of the likes of the Michaber and the Ari while having hashpaa – influence on more junior students – all in a ruchnius rich, materially upscale environment.

“For many Chabad Chassidim, semicha is their first and often last opportunity to study in-depth Shulchan Aruch in an organized program with proper guidance,” said Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Shalom Pasternak. “It is therefore vital for every young Chassid to learn semicha in the right environment and with the right direction.”

Aided by the whole faculty, that direction is provided by Rabbi Shmuel Kopel, the learning and semicha program director, a seasoned educator with more than 10 years of experience who recently passed the halachic exams to become a Rabbinic Attorney (Toen Rabbani), turning heads at the Israeli Beis Din with his impressive scores.

A seasoned staff and adjunct faculty from Pasternak on down includes Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein, director of www.shulchanaruchharav.com, whose semicha preparation sefarim are widely used globally including by YTD’s bochurim. Rabbi Shamai Gozlan rounds out the roster as a treasured mashpia and maggid shiur.

The 1-year semicha program begins in Elul, with applicants encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure a space. Anyone who has at least two years of post-high school yeshiva experience or could demonstrate equivalent learning skills is eligible to apply.

The program, now in its 8th year, has graduated more than 30 rabbis, certified by Rabbi Yitzchok Yehuda Yaroslavsky, chief rabbi of Kiryat Malachi and known worldwide for his testing of bochurim for ordination.

In the business of educating mostly inexperienced baalei teshuva learners since its founding in 2009, the yeshiva started the semicha program in part to attract seasoned bochurim to raise the standard of learning and provide role models for the other enrollees.

“The mix provides an abundance of opportunity for our semicha graduates to develop as mashpiim and shluchim for wherever they may go next,” Pasternak said.

The overall experience at the yeshiva was enhanced in the past year when it moved from more modest confines in Tsfat to a former 5-star boutique hotel, bringing its material surroundings more in line with its trademark decidedly spiritual atmosphere. The move also had an “unbelievable impact” on the seriousness with which the students take their studies, Pasternak said, adding: “When people are treated like kings, they act like kings.”

Positive impact also derives from the yeshiva’s proximity to the esteemed greats of Golden Age of Tsfat fame, who lived, taught and were buried in the city. Among them number Rabbi Yitzchok Luria, zt”l, (the Ari HaKodesh), Rabbi Yosef Caro, zt”l, author of the Shulchan Aruch, the Alshich HaKodesh, zt”l, Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz HaLevi, zt”l, Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, zt”l, and more.

For more information or to apply please go to https://www.thewayinside.org/semicha/