Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | 'Following is an incomplete list of rabbinical schools, organized by [[Jewish_religious_movements|denomination]].
For general discussion of Rabbinic [[ordination]], see [[Semikhah #Concept]] and [[Rabbi #Ordination]];
for an overview of the differing emphases between denominations re ordination-training, see [[Yeshiva #Curriculum]].
==Orthodox==
{{see|Yeshiva #Contemporary Orthodox yeshivas|Rabbi #Orthodox and Modern Orthodox Judaism}}
[[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[yeshivas]] are institutions of [[Torah study]] generally,
[[Torah_study#Traditional_view|"Torah lishma"]],
and are not focused on the training of rabbis ''per se''. (Their curricula emphasize [[Talmud]] along with the study of ''[[halacha]]'' (Jewish law); if less emphasized, ''[[Tanakh]]'' (bible) and [[Jewish thought]] /[[Musar literature|Musar]] /[[Hasidic philosophy]] are also studied.)
Rabbinical training proper, generally takes one of three forms.
Many Yeshivot host a specific Rabbinic ''[[kollel]]'', or other program, focusing on ''[[Semikhah]]'' (ordination); these are then an integral part of the yeshiva.
These programs build students' ability to ''[[posek|"pasken"]]'', i.e. decide cases in Halacha, extending and relying on the textual and [[Gemara#Argumentation_and_debate|analytical skills]] built over several years of [[Yeshiva #Talmud|Talmud study]]; this, in parallel, includes preparation of the specific sections of ''[[Shulchan Aruch]]'' required for certification-testing (always [[kashrut]]; often [[shabbat]], [[niddah]]; sometimes [[avelut]], [[Jewish wedding|marriage laws]]).
<ref name="RCA">[http://www.rabbis.org/pdfs/SemichaGuidelines22Dec2015.pdf ''Semicha Standards''], [[Rabbinical Council of America]] Executive Committee, 2015.</ref><ref>[https://www.gov.il/he/departments/general/meida_rabanut מידע לנבחנים - רבנות ("Information re testing for ''Rabbanut'', the [[Chief Rabbinate of Israel]] Semikhah Certification")], www.gov.il</ref><ref name="Rabbinical College of America">[http://rca.edu/media/pdf/1120/NbJg11207139.pdf ''CATALOG''], [[Rabbinical College of America]]</ref><ref name="RIETS">[https://www.yu.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/semikhah_requirements_final.pdf ''Semikhah Requirements''], [[Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary]]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.htc.edu/beis-midrash-college-mens-division/itemlist/category/130-schools.html Semicha Coursework], [[Hebrew Theological College]]</ref>
See [[Yeshiva #Jewish law]] and [[Yeshiva#Talmud_study|#Talmud study]].
These programs span 2 years on average, depending on the topics covered.
Alongside their Rabbinic studies, students here typically participate in the Yeshiva's senior Talmud ''[[shiur]]''.
Institutions:
* Most [[Religious Zionist]] Rabbis are trained at [[Mercaz HaRav]] and / or the various [[Hesder]] Yeshivot (well known are [[Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh]], [[Yeshivat Hakotel]], [[Yeshivat Sha'alvim]], and [[Yeshivat Har Etzion]]) typically preparing for the [[Chief_Rabbinate_of_Israel#Semikhah|"Semikhah of the ''Rabbanut''"]]
* Haredi yeshivot in Israel generally do not offer a "semikha program", although if required students may be tested by the [[Rosh Yeshiva]]. Well known [[Ashkenazi]] ([[Yeshiva#Lithuanian_yeshivas|Lithuanian]]) yeshivot are [[Mir Yeshiva (Jerusalem)|Mir]] and [[Ponevezh Yeshiva|Ponevezh]]; the leading [[Sephardi]] yeshiva is [[Porat Yosef Yeshiva|Porat Yosef]]. Students here also, often sit the ''Rabbanut'' exams.
* In the US, well known [[Haredi]] ''semachot'' are through [[Hebrew Theological College]], [[Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yisrael Meir HaKohen|"Rabbinical Seminary of America"]], [[Telshe Yeshiva|Telz]], and [[Yeshivas Ner Yisroel|Ner Yisroel]] (others, such as [[Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin|Chaim Berlin]] and [[Beth Medrash Govoha|"Lakewood"]], as at Israeli Yeshivot, do not commonly ordain)
*In Europe [[Gateshead Talmudical College]] is probably the best known, others include the [[Yeshiva of Aix-les-Bains]] and [[:he:ישיבת תורת חיים (מוסקבה) |Torat Chayim]] in [[Moscow]]; elsewhere, [[Yeshivah_Centre,_Sydney#Yeshiva_Gedolah_Rabbinical_College_of_Sydney|Yeshiva Gedolah in Sydney]], [[Yeshiva Gedolah of Johannesburg]].
*Many [[Hasidic]] [[Hasidic dynasty|dynasties]] have their own yeshivot - see for example [[Satmar (Hasidic dynasty) #Institutions]], [[Bobov (Hasidic dynasty) #Institutions]] and [[Breslov (Hasidic group) #Today]] - focusing on general learning as opposed to semicha, which is granted on a limited basis as at Charedi yeshivot; [[Chabad-Lubavitch]] operates its global ''[[Tomchei Tmimim]]'' network, many of which, in contrast, include a semicha program. (Since the 1950's, unlike at other streams, semikha is obtained by the bulk of Chabad yeshiva students; the [[Menachem Mendel Schneerson|Lubavitcher Rebbe]] instructed students to obtain ordination before getting married,<ref>[https://www.lubavitch.com/a-new-crop-of-students-to-receive-rabbinic-ordination/ A New Crop of Students To Receive Rabbinic Ordination], lubavitch.com</ref> <ref>[https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/4280202/jewish/-.htm שיחת יום ג' פ' וארא, כ"ד טבת, ה'תשי"ב] </ref> formally studying ''kashrut'' and ''shabbos'' before starting a home)
Some institutions specifically focus on rabbinic training. These typically prepare all of the above topics, and extend their curriculum to other applicable areas of Jewish law (e.g. [[Synagogue#Rules_for_attendees|laws of the synagogue]] and [[Jewish prayer]]), and discussion of contemporary issues, or "''[[hashkafa]]''"; as well as offering some elements of "practical Rabbinics" (e.g. public speaking, life-cycle events, pastoral care), always secondary however. These programs average 3 years, but may be up to 5 years.
Institutions well known for their Rabbinic training:
*In Israel: [[Ohr_Torah_Stone#Programs_for_men|Ohr Torah Stone's Straus Rabbinical Seminary]], <ref>[https://ots.org.il/program/kollel-israeli-rabbis/ Kollel for Israeli Rabbis ]</ref> the [[:he: בית מדרש מר"ץ |Meretz Kollel]], and [[:he:מכון אריאל|Machon Ariel]] which trains Rabbis and [[dayan (rabbinic judge)|Dayanim]] (Rabbinic Judges); [[:he:ארץ_חמדה_(כולל) |Kollel Eretz Hemda]] trains Dayanim; there are several specialized kollels preparing candidates for the Chief Rabbinate ''Dayanut'' test. See a more complete listing in the Hebrew, at category [[:he: כוללי אברכים בארץ ישראל|כוללי אברכים בארץ ישראל]]
*Israel-based programs preparing Rabbis for Diaspora communities: The Shehebar Sephardic Center, <ref>[http://sscusa.org/ sscusa.org]</ref> The [[Jerusalem Kollel]], [[Ohr_Somayach,_Jerusalem#Programs|Ohr Somayach's ''Ohr La'Golah'']], [[Aish HaTorah#Jerusalem|Aish HaTorah's semicha program]], The Center for Kehilla Development, <ref>[https://www.c4kd.org/ The Center for Kehilla Development]</ref> Ner Le'Elef, <ref>[https://nerleelef.com/ nerleelef.com]</ref> [[Mizrachi (religious Zionism)|Mizrachi's]] Manhigut-Toranit program,<ref>[https://www.manhigut-toranit.org manhigut-toranit.org]</ref> Institute for Community Rabbis in the Diaspora (Ariel Institute),<ref>[https://www.mosdot-ariel.org/en/institute-for-community-rabbis-in-the-diaspora/ Institute for Community Rabbis in the Diaspora], mosdot-ariel.org</ref> and similarly, Eretz Hemda.
* Various [[Chabad]] institutions are located globally, and include the [[Rabbinical College of America]], [[Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand]], [[Rabbinical College of Canada]], [[Rabbinical College of Pretoria]]; the testing and preparation here, certifying ''community'' Rabbis, is more extensive and in more depth than at ''Tomchei Tmimim'' above
*Most American [[Modern Orthodox]] Rabbis are trained at RIETS, the [[Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary]], many at the Israeli [[Yeshivat HaMivtar]] (Straus), or the [[Open Orthodox]] [[Yeshivat Chovevei Torah]] (the latter movement's [[Maharat]] Yeshiva, [[Maharat#Response_from_the_American_Orthodox_rabbinate|controversially]] ordains women Rabbis; see also [https://www.har-el.org/ Beit Midrash Har’el]
<ref group="Notes">
In recent years some [[midrasha|''midrashot'']] offer specialized programs (although not ordination) in Rabbinic-level Halakha, including Talmud-intensive study.
Three programs mirror the Rabbinate’s ordination requirements for men:
[[Midreshet Ein HaNetziv|Ein HaNetziv]] trains students as "Teachers of Halacha";
[[Midreshet Lindenbaum|Lindenbaum]] in "Halachik leadership";
[[Matan Women's Institute for Torah Studies|Matan]] as "Halachik [[Responsa#In_Judaism|Respondents]]".
Two other formal certifications are offered, where, it must be noted, these formally ''qualify'' the holder to assume specific roles:
Nishmat trains women as [[Yoetzet Halacha|''Yoatzot Halacha'']], advisors in the laws of [[Family purity]];
Lindenbaum, through a joint program, prepares women as [[Toanot Rabniyot|''to'anot'']], advocates in [[bet din|religious courts]] for [[Get (divorce document)|matters relating to divorce]].<ref>See the Hebrew Wikipedia article [[:he: יד לאישה]]</ref>
</ref>
)
*In Europe: [[Rabbinerseminar zu Berlin]] and [[Judith Lady Montefiore College]]
Outside of these, it is common also for a student to prepare material independently, so as to be tested by a well known ''[[Rosh Yeshiva]]'' or ''[[posek]]'' (many from the late R. [[Zalman Nechemia Goldberg]]), so called "private semicha".<ref name="RCA"/>
This Semikhah certifies solely the holder's ability, and thus right, to ''pasken''; see, again, [[Semikhah #Concept]].
Recently, several institutions are established around semicha-testing (i.e. as opposed to Rabbinical training); these publish syllabi, with a corresponding learning program, and often provide [[online training]],
<ref> Dvora Lakein, 2010. [https://www.lubavitch.com/chabad-rabbi-launches-online-training-program-for-rabbis/ Chabad Rabbi Launches Online Training Program for Rabbis]</ref>
and are then a hybrid of Yeshiva and private;
they are sometimes referred to as "on-line semicha programs." <ref name="RCA"/>
In some cases, the program is completed in one year.
<ref group="Notes">Although these programs are sometimes criticized, their syllabi are standard, and their role, in fact, is intended as providing structured learning in Halacha to those outside of a formal yeshiva; and their offerings then include non-semicha courses. As for the above, these programs assume a level of scholarship typically acquired over several years in Yeshiva. Note that membership in the [[Rabbinical Council of America]] requires six years yeshiva study, which excludes the time spent in an on-line program.</ref>
*Semicha-testing programs: Pirchei Shoshanim, <ref name="Pirchei">[https://www.shulchanaruch.com/ Yeshiva Pirchei Shoshanim]</ref> Yeshivas Iyun Halacha, <ref name ="Iyun Halacha">[https://www.iyunhalacha.org/ Yeshivas Iyun Halacha]</ref> Yeshiva Chonen Daas <ref>[https://chonendaas.org/ chonendaas.org] / [https://rbssemicha.com/ rbssemicha.com]</ref>
*Chabad programs: The Institute For Rabbinical Studies, <ref>[http://www.onlinesmicha.com Online Smicha Institute For Rabbinical Studies, onlinesmicha.com]</ref> Machon Smicha, <ref>[https://onlinemachon.com/ Machon Smicha, onlinemachon.com]</ref> HSSP, <ref>[https://shulchanaruchharav.com/semicha-program/ Home Study Semicha Program, shulchanaruchharav.com]</ref> Machon Limud Halacha <ref>Machon Limud Halacha — Lema’an Yilmedu, [https://lemaanyilmedu.com/ lemaanyilmedu.com] </ref>(these mirror ''Tomchei Tmimim'')
*[[WebYeshiva]], a fully online Yeshiva, offers semikha culminating a four year program.
==Conservative==
{{see|Yeshiva #Conservative movement yeshivas|Rabbi #Conservative Judaism}}
In addition to knowledge and mastery of the study of Talmud and halakhah, [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]] ''semikhah'' also requires that its rabbinical students receive intensive training in Tanakh, classical biblical commentaries, [[biblical criticism]], Midrash, Kabbalah and Hasidut, the historical development of Judaism from antiquity to modernity, Jewish ethics, the [[conservative halakha|halakhic methodology]] of [[Conservative responsa]], classical and modern works of Jewish theology and philosophy, synagogue administration, pastoral care, chaplaincy, [[Nonprofit_corporation#Religious_corporation|non-profit management]], and navigating the modern world in a Jewish context.
Most Conservative seminaries ordain women and openly LGBT people as rabbis and [[Hazzan|cantor]]s.
Ordination is granted at:
*the Rabbinical School of the [[Jewish Theological Seminary of America]] in New York,
*the [[Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies]] in Los Angeles,
*the [[Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies]] in Jerusalem (Jerusalem's [[Conservative Yeshiva]] does not grant ordination),
*the [[Budapest University of Jewish Studies]],
*the [[Zecharias_Frankel#Zacharias_Frankel_College|Zacharias Frankel College]] in [[Potsdam]],
*and the [[Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano]] in [[Buenos Aires]].
==Reform==
{{see|Rabbi #Reform Judaism}}
In [[Reform Judaism]], rabbinic studies are mandated in [[pastoral care]], the historical development of Judaism, academic biblical criticism, in addition to the study of traditional rabbinic texts. Rabbinical students also are required to gain practical rabbinic experience by working at a congregation as a rabbinic intern during each year of study from year one onwards. All Reform seminaries ordain women and openly LGBT people as rabbis and cantors.
*The seminary of [[Reform Judaism]] in the United States is [[Hebrew Union College|Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion]]. It has campuses in [[Cincinnati]], New York City, and Los Angeles.
*In Israel, the [[Jerusalem]] campus of Hebrew Union College is the only seminary for training Reform Jewish clergy.
*In the United Kingdom the [[Reform Judaism (United Kingdom)|Reform]] and [[Liberal Judaism (United Kingdom)|Liberal]] movements maintain [[Leo Baeck College]] for the training and ordination of rabbis.
*In Germany the [[Progressive Judaism (Germany)|progressive]] [[Abraham Geiger College]] trains and ordains candidates for the rabbinate.
*In Latin America, the Reform Movement maintains the Instituto Iberoamericano de Formación Rabinica Reformista <ref name="IIFRR">http://www.institutorabinico.org</ref> (Iberoamerican Institute of Reform Rabbinical Formation), based in [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina. The IIFRR serves the Latin American Reform communities and has had online teaching as part of its curriculum, counting as teachers and supporting lecturers rabbis from the Reform communities throughout Latin America, North America, Israel and Europe.<ref name="IIFRR"/>
==Reconstructionist==
The [[Reconstructionist Rabbinical College]] is located in Pennsylvania ; it ordains women as well as men (and openly LGBT people) as rabbis and cantors. In 2015 the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College voted to accept rabbinical students in interfaith relationships, making Reconstructionist Judaism the first type of Judaism to officially allow rabbis in relationships with non-Jewish partners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/75811/reconstructionists-give-green-light-to-intermarried-rabbinical-students|title=Reconstructionists give green light to intermarried rabbinical students|publisher=Jweekly|author=Lisa Hostein|date=October 1, 2015|accessdate=17 March 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003090111/http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/75811/reconstructionists-give-green-light-to-intermarried-rabbinical-students|archivedate=October 3, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Other non-Orthodox==
In general, Non-Orthodox institutions offer a synthesis of traditional and critical methods, allowing Jewish texts and tradition to encounter [[social change]] and modern scholarship. The curricula thus focus on classical Jewish subjects, including Talmud, Tanakh, Midrash, ''halacha'', and Philosophy, with an [[Biblical_criticism#Contemporary_methods|openness to modern scholarship]],
but also on "the other functions of a modern rabbi such as preaching, counselling, and pastoral work". <ref>[https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ordination-semihah/2/ Ordination (Semicha)], myjewishlearning.com</ref>
Note that, often, in these institutions less emphasis is placed on Talmud and Jewish law, "but rather on sociology, cultural studies, and modern Jewish philosophy".<ref name="Blane">Rabbi [[Steven Blane]] (N.D.). [https://jsli.net/apply-online/ordination-weekends/ "Ordination and Semicha"], jsli.net</ref>
Institutions:
* Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary offers a two-year online rabbinical ordination program. It trains men and women. Rabbinic educators are Conservative, Reform and Orthodox rabbis, but the semicha is postdenominational.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jewishpluralism.org/ |title=Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary |publisher=PRS |date= January 23, 2019 |accessdate=February 14, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Humanistic Judaism]] has the [[International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism]], which currently has two centers of activity: one in Jerusalem and the other in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Both places ordain women as well as men as rabbis, and do not ordain cantors. Both, ordain openly LGBT people.
* [[Jewish Renewal]] has an ordination program, [[Jewish Renewal#Ordination training|ALEPH]], but no central campus. ALEPH ordains women as well as men as rabbis and cantors. It also ordains openly LGBT people.
* The [[Academy for Jewish Religion (New York)|Academy for Jewish Religion]], in New York City, since 1956, and the unrelated [[Academy for Jewish Religion (California)|Academy for Jewish Religion]]-California, in Los Angeles, since 2000, have been rabbinic (and cantorial) seminaries unaffiliated with any denomination or movement. [[Hebrew College]], near Boston, includes a similarly unaffiliated rabbinic school, opened in the Fall of 2003. These seminaries are accepted by all non-Orthodox rabbis as valid rabbinical seminaries{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}, and they all ordain women as well as men (and openly LGBT people) as rabbis and cantors. Orthodox Jews do not consider these ordinations valid, because these seminaries are not Orthodox.
* The [[Steven Blane#Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute|Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute]] offers a training program, meets in weekly online classes via the Internet and ordains women as well as men as unaffiliated rabbis to meet the needs of unaffiliated Jews as well as interfaith couples and their families. It subscribes to [[Universalism#Judaism|Jewish Universalism]], promoting religious tolerance and asserting that there are many paths to 'the One.' JSLI ordained its first class of rabbis in August 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jsli.net/ |title=JSLI |publisher=JSLI |date=August 27, 2011 |access-date=May 3, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429115304/http://www.jsli.net/ |archive-date=April 29, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> It does ordain openly LGBT people.
*The [[Rabbinical Seminary International]] is a rabbinical seminary in New York, which ordains women as well as men (and openly LGBT people) as rabbis; it does not ordain cantors. It is a transdenominational rabbinical seminary in the Neo-Hasidic tradition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rabbinicalseminaryint.org/|title=Rabbinical Seminary International|work=rabbinicalseminaryint.org|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923144653/http://www.rabbinicalseminaryint.org/|archivedate=September 23, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* The [[Union for Traditional Judaism]] (UTJ), an offshoot of the left-wing of Orthodoxy and the right-wing of Conservative Judaism, has a non-denominational seminary in [[New Jersey]];<ref>Ari L. Goldman, [https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/10/us/religion-notes.html?scp=1&sq=bridge%20seminary&st=cse Religion Notes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131102036/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/10/us/religion-notes.html?scp=1&sq=bridge%20seminary&st=cse |date=January 31, 2017 }}, The New York Times, Saturday, March 10, 1990</ref> the seminary is accepted by all non-Orthodox rabbis as a valid, traditional rabbinical seminary. The vast majority of Orthodox Jews do not recognize ordination from UTJ. However, it bridges Conservative and Orthodox Judaism, and [[Modern Orthodox]] synagogues have hired UTJ rabbis. Though the more mainstream body of Modern Orthodox Judaism, such as the Rabbinical Council of America, does not recognize ordination from UTJ. UTJ only ordains men as rabbis and cantors, and does not ordain openly LGBT men.
* The Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf is a non-denominational rabbinical seminary in Illinois, which ordains women as well as men (and openly LGBT people) as rabbis, and does not ordain cantors of either sex.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hebrewseminarydeaf.org/testimonials.htm |title=Testimonials |publisher=Hebrewseminarydeaf.org |access-date=May 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204021558/http://www.hebrewseminarydeaf.org/testimonials.htm |archive-date=December 4, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
*The Midrasha at the [[Oranim Academic College]], <ref>[https://www.oranim.ac.il/sites/heb/hamidrasha/about/Pages/default.aspx Midrasha at Oranim] </ref> in partnership with the [[Shalom Hartman Institute]],<ref>[https://www.hartman.org.il/hartman-and-hamidrasha-at-oranim-ordain-rabbis-at-jerusalem-ceremony/#Article Beit Midrash for Israeli Rabbis], hartman.org.il</ref> offers a pluralistic ordination to both men and women. <ref>[https://www.oranim.ac.il/sites/heb/hamidrasha/rabanut_israelit/pages/default.aspx רבנות ישראלית], oranim.ac.il</ref>
==Notes==
{{Reflist|group="Notes"}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Jewish educational institutions]]
[[Category:Jewish seminaries]]
[[Category:Orthodox yeshivas]]
[[Category:Rabbis]]
[[Category:Higher education-related lists]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | 'Following is an incomplete list of rabbinical schools, organized by [[Jewish_religious_movements|denomination]].
For general discussion of Rabbinic [[ordination]], see [[Semikhah #Concept]] and [[Rabbi #Ordination]];
for an overview of the differing emphases between denominations re ordination-training, see [[Yeshiva #Curriculum]].
==Orthodox==
{{see|Yeshiva #Contemporary Orthodox yeshivas|Rabbi #Orthodox and Modern Orthodox Judaism}}
[[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[yeshivas]] are institutions of [[Torah study]] generally,
[[Torah_study#Traditional_view|"Torah lishma"]],
and are not focused on the training of rabbis ''per se''. (Their curricula emphasize [[Talmud]] along with the study of ''[[halacha]]'' (Jewish law); if less emphasized, ''[[Tanakh]]'' (bible) and [[Jewish thought]] /[[Musar literature|Musar]] /[[Hasidic philosophy]] are also studied.)
Rabbinical training proper, generally takes one of three forms.
Many Yeshivot host a specific Rabbinic ''[[kollel]]'', or other program, focusing on ''[[Semikhah]]'' (ordination); these are then an integral part of the yeshiva.
These programs build students' ability to ''[[posek|"pasken"]]'', i.e. decide cases in Halacha, extending and relying on the textual and [[Gemara#Argumentation_and_debate|analytical skills]] built over several years of [[Yeshiva #Talmud|Talmud study]]; this, in parallel, includes preparation of the specific sections of ''[[Shulchan Aruch]]'' required for certification-testing (always [[kashrut]]; often [[shabbat]], [[niddah]]; sometimes [[avelut]], [[Jewish wedding|marriage laws]]).
<ref name="RCA">[http://www.rabbis.org/pdfs/SemichaGuidelines22Dec2015.pdf ''Semicha Standards''], [[Rabbinical Council of America]] Executive Committee, 2015.</ref><ref>[https://www.gov.il/he/departments/general/meida_rabanut מידע לנבחנים - רבנות ("Information re testing for ''Rabbanut'', the [[Chief Rabbinate of Israel]] Semikhah Certification")], www.gov.il</ref><ref name="Rabbinical College of America">[http://rca.edu/media/pdf/1120/NbJg11207139.pdf ''CATALOG''], [[Rabbinical College of America]]</ref><ref name="RIETS">[https://www.yu.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/semikhah_requirements_final.pdf ''Semikhah Requirements''], [[Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary]]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.htc.edu/beis-midrash-college-mens-division/itemlist/category/130-schools.html Semicha Coursework], [[Hebrew Theological College]]</ref>
See [[Yeshiva #Jewish law]] and [[Yeshiva#Talmud_study|#Talmud study]].
These programs span 2 years on average, depending on the topics covered.
Alongside their Rabbinic studies, students here typically participate in the Yeshiva's senior Talmud ''[[shiur]]''.
Institutions:
* Most [[Religious Zionist]] Rabbis are trained at [[Mercaz HaRav]] and / or the various [[Hesder]] Yeshivot (well known are [[Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh]], [[Yeshivat Hakotel]], [[Yeshivat Sha'alvim]], and [[Yeshivat Har Etzion]]) typically preparing for the [[Chief_Rabbinate_of_Israel#Semikhah|"Semikhah of the ''Rabbanut''"]]
* Haredi yeshivot in Israel generally do not offer a "semikha program", although if required students may be tested by the [[Rosh Yeshiva]]. Well known [[Ashkenazi]] ([[Yeshiva#Lithuanian_yeshivas|Lithuanian]]) yeshivot are [[Mir Yeshiva (Jerusalem)|Mir]] and [[Ponevezh Yeshiva|Ponevezh]]; the leading [[Sephardi]] yeshiva is [[Porat Yosef Yeshiva|Porat Yosef]]. Students here also, often sit the ''Rabbanut'' exams.
* In the US, well known [[Haredi]] ''semachot'' are through [[Hebrew Theological College]], [[Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yisrael Meir HaKohen|"Rabbinical Seminary of America"]], [[Telshe Yeshiva|Telz]], and [[Yeshivas Ner Yisroel|Ner Yisroel]] (others, such as [[Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin|Chaim Berlin]] and [[Beth Medrash Govoha|"Lakewood"]], as at Israeli Yeshivot, do not commonly ordain)
*In Europe [[Gateshead Talmudical College]] is probably the best known, others include the [[Yeshiva of Aix-les-Bains]] and [[:he:ישיבת תורת חיים (מוסקבה) |Torat Chayim]] in [[Moscow]]; elsewhere, [[Yeshivah_Centre,_Sydney#Yeshiva_Gedolah_Rabbinical_College_of_Sydney|Yeshiva Gedolah in Sydney]], [[Yeshiva Gedolah of Johannesburg]].
*Many [[Hasidic]] [[Hasidic dynasty|dynasties]] have their own yeshivot - see for example [[Satmar (Hasidic dynasty) #Institutions]], [[Bobov (Hasidic dynasty) #Institutions]] and [[Breslov (Hasidic group) #Today]] - focusing on general learning as opposed to semicha, which is granted on a limited basis as at Charedi yeshivot; [[Chabad-Lubavitch]] operates its global ''[[Tomchei Tmimim]]'' network, many of which, in contrast, include a semicha program. (Since the 1950's, unlike at other streams, semikha is obtained by the bulk of Chabad yeshiva students; the [[Menachem Mendel Schneerson|Lubavitcher Rebbe]] instructed students to obtain ordination before getting married,<ref>[https://www.lubavitch.com/a-new-crop-of-students-to-receive-rabbinic-ordination/ A New Crop of Students To Receive Rabbinic Ordination], lubavitch.com</ref> <ref>[https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/4280202/jewish/-.htm שיחת יום ג' פ' וארא, כ"ד טבת, ה'תשי"ב] </ref> formally studying ''kashrut'' and ''shabbos'' before starting a home)
Some institutions specifically focus on rabbinic training. These typically prepare all of the above topics, and extend their curriculum to other applicable areas of Jewish law (e.g. [[Synagogue#Rules_for_attendees|laws of the synagogue]] and [[Jewish prayer]]), and discussion of contemporary issues, or "''[[hashkafa]]''"; as well as offering some elements of "practical Rabbinics" (e.g. public speaking, life-cycle events, pastoral care), always secondary however. These programs average 3 years, but may be up to 5 years.
Institutions well known for their Rabbinic training:
*In Israel: [[Ohr_Torah_Stone#Programs_for_men|Ohr Torah Stone's Straus Rabbinical Seminary]], <ref>[https://ots.org.il/program/kollel-israeli-rabbis/ Kollel for Israeli Rabbis ]</ref> the [[:he: בית מדרש מר"ץ |Meretz Kollel]], and [[:he:מכון אריאל|Machon Ariel]] which trains Rabbis and [[dayan (rabbinic judge)|Dayanim]] (Rabbinic Judges); [[:he:ארץ_חמדה_(כולל) |Kollel Eretz Hemda]] trains Dayanim; there are several specialized kollels preparing candidates for the Chief Rabbinate ''Dayanut'' test. See a more complete listing in the Hebrew, at category [[:he: כוללי אברכים בארץ ישראל|כוללי אברכים בארץ ישראל]]
*Israel-based programs preparing Rabbis for Diaspora communities: The Shehebar Sephardic Center, <ref>[http://sscusa.org/ sscusa.org]</ref> The [[Jerusalem Kollel]], [[Ohr_Somayach,_Jerusalem#Programs|Ohr Somayach's ''Ohr La'Golah'']], [[Aish HaTorah#Jerusalem|Aish HaTorah's semicha program]], The Center for Kehilla Development, <ref>[https://www.c4kd.org/ The Center for Kehilla Development]</ref> Ner Le'Elef, <ref>[https://nerleelef.com/ nerleelef.com]</ref> [[Mizrachi (religious Zionism)|Mizrachi's]] Manhigut-Toranit program,<ref>[https://www.manhigut-toranit.org manhigut-toranit.org]</ref> Institute for Community Rabbis in the Diaspora (Ariel Institute),<ref>[https://www.mosdot-ariel.org/en/institute-for-community-rabbis-in-the-diaspora/ Institute for Community Rabbis in the Diaspora], mosdot-ariel.org</ref> and similarly, Eretz Hemda.
* Various [[Chabad]] institutions are located globally, and include the [[Rabbinical College of America]], [[Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand]], [[Rabbinical College of Canada]], [[Rabbinical College of Pretoria]]; the testing and preparation here, certifying ''community'' Rabbis, is more extensive and in more depth than at ''Tomchei Tmimim'' above
*Most American [[Modern Orthodox]] Rabbis are trained at RIETS, the [[Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary]], many at the Israeli [[Yeshivat HaMivtar]] (Straus), or the [[Open Orthodox]] [[Yeshivat Chovevei Torah]] (the latter movement's [[Maharat]] Yeshiva, [[Maharat#Response_from_the_American_Orthodox_rabbinate|controversially]] ordains women Rabbis; see also [https://www.har-el.org/ Beit Midrash Har’el]
<ref group="Notes">
In recent years some [[midrasha|''midrashot'']] offer specialized programs (although not ordination) in Rabbinic-level Halakha, including Talmud-intensive study.
Three programs mirror the Rabbinate’s ordination requirements for men:
[[Midreshet Ein HaNetziv|Ein HaNetziv]] trains students as "Teachers of Halacha";
[[Midreshet Lindenbaum|Lindenbaum]] in "Halachik leadership";
[[Matan Women's Institute for Torah Studies|Matan]] as "Halachik [[Responsa#In_Judaism|Respondents]]".
Two other formal certifications are offered, where, it must be noted, these formally ''qualify'' the holder to assume specific roles:
Nishmat trains women as [[Yoetzet Halacha|''Yoatzot Halacha'']], advisors in the laws of [[Family purity]];
Lindenbaum, through a joint program, prepares women as [[Toanot Rabniyot|''to'anot'']], advocates in [[bet din|religious courts]] for [[Get (divorce document)|matters relating to divorce]].
</ref>
)
*In Europe: [[Rabbinerseminar zu Berlin]] and [[Judith Lady Montefiore College]]
Outside of these, it is common also for a student to prepare material independently, so as to be tested by a well known ''[[Rosh Yeshiva]]'' or ''[[posek]]'' (many from the late R. [[Zalman Nechemia Goldberg]]), so called "private semicha".<ref name="RCA"/>
This Semikhah certifies solely the holder's ability, and thus right, to ''pasken''; see, again, [[Semikhah #Concept]].
Recently, several institutions are established around semicha-testing (i.e. as opposed to Rabbinical training); these publish syllabi, with a corresponding learning program, and often provide [[online training]],
<ref> Dvora Lakein, 2010. [https://www.lubavitch.com/chabad-rabbi-launches-online-training-program-for-rabbis/ Chabad Rabbi Launches Online Training Program for Rabbis]</ref>
and are then a hybrid of Yeshiva and private;
they are sometimes referred to as "on-line semicha programs." <ref name="RCA"/>
In some cases, the program is completed in one year.
<ref group="Notes">Although these programs are sometimes criticized, their syllabi are standard, and their role, in fact, is intended as providing structured learning in Halacha to those outside of a formal yeshiva; and their offerings then include non-semicha courses. As for the above, these programs assume a level of scholarship typically acquired over several years in Yeshiva. Note that membership in the [[Rabbinical Council of America]] requires six years yeshiva study, which excludes the time spent in an on-line program.</ref>
*Semicha-testing programs: Pirchei Shoshanim, <ref name="Pirchei">[https://www.shulchanaruch.com/ Yeshiva Pirchei Shoshanim]</ref> Yeshivas Iyun Halacha, <ref name ="Iyun Halacha">[https://www.iyunhalacha.org/ Yeshivas Iyun Halacha]</ref> Yeshiva Chonen Daas <ref>[https://chonendaas.org/ chonendaas.org] / [https://rbssemicha.com/ rbssemicha.com]</ref>
*Chabad programs: The Institute For Rabbinical Studies, <ref>[http://www.onlinesmicha.com Online Smicha Institute For Rabbinical Studies, onlinesmicha.com]</ref> Machon Smicha, <ref>[https://onlinemachon.com/ Machon Smicha, onlinemachon.com]</ref> HSSP, <ref>[https://shulchanaruchharav.com/semicha-program/ Home Study Semicha Program, shulchanaruchharav.com]</ref> Machon Limud Halacha <ref>Machon Limud Halacha — Lema’an Yilmedu, [https://lemaanyilmedu.com/ lemaanyilmedu.com] </ref>(these mirror ''Tomchei Tmimim'')
*[[WebYeshiva]], a fully online Yeshiva, offers semikha culminating a four year program.
==Conservative==
{{see|Yeshiva #Conservative movement yeshivas|Rabbi #Conservative Judaism}}
In addition to knowledge and mastery of the study of Talmud and halakhah, [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]] ''semikhah'' also requires that its rabbinical students receive intensive training in Tanakh, classical biblical commentaries, [[biblical criticism]], Midrash, Kabbalah and Hasidut, the historical development of Judaism from antiquity to modernity, Jewish ethics, the [[conservative halakha|halakhic methodology]] of [[Conservative responsa]], classical and modern works of Jewish theology and philosophy, synagogue administration, pastoral care, chaplaincy, [[Nonprofit_corporation#Religious_corporation|non-profit management]], and navigating the modern world in a Jewish context.
Most Conservative seminaries ordain women and openly LGBT people as rabbis and [[Hazzan|cantor]]s.
Ordination is granted at:
*the Rabbinical School of the [[Jewish Theological Seminary of America]] in New York,
*the [[Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies]] in Los Angeles,
*the [[Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies]] in Jerusalem (Jerusalem's [[Conservative Yeshiva]] does not grant ordination),
*the [[Budapest University of Jewish Studies]],
*the [[Zecharias_Frankel#Zacharias_Frankel_College|Zacharias Frankel College]] in [[Potsdam]],
*and the [[Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano]] in [[Buenos Aires]].
==Reform==
{{see|Rabbi #Reform Judaism}}
In [[Reform Judaism]], rabbinic studies are mandated in [[pastoral care]], the historical development of Judaism, academic biblical criticism, in addition to the study of traditional rabbinic texts. Rabbinical students also are required to gain practical rabbinic experience by working at a congregation as a rabbinic intern during each year of study from year one onwards. All Reform seminaries ordain women and openly LGBT people as rabbis and cantors.
*The seminary of [[Reform Judaism]] in the United States is [[Hebrew Union College|Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion]]. It has campuses in [[Cincinnati]], New York City, and Los Angeles.
*In Israel, the [[Jerusalem]] campus of Hebrew Union College is the only seminary for training Reform Jewish clergy.
*In the United Kingdom the [[Reform Judaism (United Kingdom)|Reform]] and [[Liberal Judaism (United Kingdom)|Liberal]] movements maintain [[Leo Baeck College]] for the training and ordination of rabbis.
*In Germany the [[Progressive Judaism (Germany)|progressive]] [[Abraham Geiger College]] trains and ordains candidates for the rabbinate.
*In Latin America, the Reform Movement maintains the Instituto Iberoamericano de Formación Rabinica Reformista <ref name="IIFRR">http://www.institutorabinico.org</ref> (Iberoamerican Institute of Reform Rabbinical Formation), based in [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina. The IIFRR serves the Latin American Reform communities and has had online teaching as part of its curriculum, counting as teachers and supporting lecturers rabbis from the Reform communities throughout Latin America, North America, Israel and Europe.<ref name="IIFRR"/>
==Reconstructionist==
The [[Reconstructionist Rabbinical College]] is located in Pennsylvania ; it ordains women as well as men (and openly LGBT people) as rabbis and cantors. In 2015 the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College voted to accept rabbinical students in interfaith relationships, making Reconstructionist Judaism the first type of Judaism to officially allow rabbis in relationships with non-Jewish partners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/75811/reconstructionists-give-green-light-to-intermarried-rabbinical-students|title=Reconstructionists give green light to intermarried rabbinical students|publisher=Jweekly|author=Lisa Hostein|date=October 1, 2015|accessdate=17 March 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003090111/http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/75811/reconstructionists-give-green-light-to-intermarried-rabbinical-students|archivedate=October 3, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Other non-Orthodox==
In general, Non-Orthodox institutions offer a synthesis of traditional and critical methods, allowing Jewish texts and tradition to encounter [[social change]] and modern scholarship. The curricula thus focus on classical Jewish subjects, including Talmud, Tanakh, Midrash, ''halacha'', and Philosophy, with an [[Biblical_criticism#Contemporary_methods|openness to modern scholarship]],
but also on "the other functions of a modern rabbi such as preaching, counselling, and pastoral work". <ref>[https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ordination-semihah/2/ Ordination (Semicha)], myjewishlearning.com</ref>
Note that, often, in these institutions less emphasis is placed on Talmud and Jewish law, "but rather on sociology, cultural studies, and modern Jewish philosophy".<ref name="Blane">Rabbi [[Steven Blane]] (N.D.). [https://jsli.net/apply-online/ordination-weekends/ "Ordination and Semicha"], jsli.net</ref>
Institutions:
* Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary offers a two-year online rabbinical ordination program. It trains men and women. Rabbinic educators are Conservative, Reform and Orthodox rabbis, but the semicha is postdenominational.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jewishpluralism.org/ |title=Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary |publisher=PRS |date= January 23, 2019 |accessdate=February 14, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Humanistic Judaism]] has the [[International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism]], which currently has two centers of activity: one in Jerusalem and the other in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Both places ordain women as well as men as rabbis, and do not ordain cantors. Both, ordain openly LGBT people.
* [[Jewish Renewal]] has an ordination program, [[Jewish Renewal#Ordination training|ALEPH]], but no central campus. ALEPH ordains women as well as men as rabbis and cantors. It also ordains openly LGBT people.
* The [[Academy for Jewish Religion (New York)|Academy for Jewish Religion]], in New York City, since 1956, and the unrelated [[Academy for Jewish Religion (California)|Academy for Jewish Religion]]-California, in Los Angeles, since 2000, have been rabbinic (and cantorial) seminaries unaffiliated with any denomination or movement. [[Hebrew College]], near Boston, includes a similarly unaffiliated rabbinic school, opened in the Fall of 2003. These seminaries are accepted by all non-Orthodox rabbis as valid rabbinical seminaries{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}, and they all ordain women as well as men (and openly LGBT people) as rabbis and cantors. Orthodox Jews do not consider these ordinations valid, because these seminaries are not Orthodox.
* The [[Steven Blane#Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute|Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute]] offers a training program, meets in weekly online classes via the Internet and ordains women as well as men as unaffiliated rabbis to meet the needs of unaffiliated Jews as well as interfaith couples and their families. It subscribes to [[Universalism#Judaism|Jewish Universalism]], promoting religious tolerance and asserting that there are many paths to 'the One.' JSLI ordained its first class of rabbis in August 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jsli.net/ |title=JSLI |publisher=JSLI |date=August 27, 2011 |access-date=May 3, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429115304/http://www.jsli.net/ |archive-date=April 29, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> It does ordain openly LGBT people.
*The [[Rabbinical Seminary International]] is a rabbinical seminary in New York, which ordains women as well as men (and openly LGBT people) as rabbis; it does not ordain cantors. It is a transdenominational rabbinical seminary in the Neo-Hasidic tradition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rabbinicalseminaryint.org/|title=Rabbinical Seminary International|work=rabbinicalseminaryint.org|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923144653/http://www.rabbinicalseminaryint.org/|archivedate=September 23, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* The [[Union for Traditional Judaism]] (UTJ), an offshoot of the left-wing of Orthodoxy and the right-wing of Conservative Judaism, has a non-denominational seminary in [[New Jersey]];<ref>Ari L. Goldman, [https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/10/us/religion-notes.html?scp=1&sq=bridge%20seminary&st=cse Religion Notes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131102036/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/10/us/religion-notes.html?scp=1&sq=bridge%20seminary&st=cse |date=January 31, 2017 }}, The New York Times, Saturday, March 10, 1990</ref> the seminary is accepted by all non-Orthodox rabbis as a valid, traditional rabbinical seminary. The vast majority of Orthodox Jews do not recognize ordination from UTJ. However, it bridges Conservative and Orthodox Judaism, and [[Modern Orthodox]] synagogues have hired UTJ rabbis. Though the more mainstream body of Modern Orthodox Judaism, such as the Rabbinical Council of America, does not recognize ordination from UTJ. UTJ only ordains men as rabbis and cantors, and does not ordain openly LGBT men.
* The Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf is a non-denominational rabbinical seminary in Illinois, which ordains women as well as men (and openly LGBT people) as rabbis, and does not ordain cantors of either sex.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hebrewseminarydeaf.org/testimonials.htm |title=Testimonials |publisher=Hebrewseminarydeaf.org |access-date=May 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204021558/http://www.hebrewseminarydeaf.org/testimonials.htm |archive-date=December 4, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
*The Midrasha at the [[Oranim Academic College]], <ref>[https://www.oranim.ac.il/sites/heb/hamidrasha/about/Pages/default.aspx Midrasha at Oranim] </ref> in partnership with the [[Shalom Hartman Institute]],<ref>[https://www.hartman.org.il/hartman-and-hamidrasha-at-oranim-ordain-rabbis-at-jerusalem-ceremony/#Article Beit Midrash for Israeli Rabbis], hartman.org.il</ref> offers a pluralistic ordination to both men and women. <ref>[https://www.oranim.ac.il/sites/heb/hamidrasha/rabanut_israelit/pages/default.aspx רבנות ישראלית], oranim.ac.il</ref>
==Notes==
{{Reflist|group="Notes"}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Jewish educational institutions]]
[[Category:Jewish seminaries]]
[[Category:Orthodox yeshivas]]
[[Category:Rabbis]]
[[Category:Higher education-related lists]]' |
