Semichah

Semikhah ( he, סמיכה) is the traditional Jewish name for rabbinic ordination.

The original ''semikhah'' was the formal "transmission of authority" from Moses through the generations. This form of ''semikhah'' ceased between 360 and 425 CE. Since then ''semikhah'' has continued in a less formal way. Throughout history there have been several attempts to reestablish the classical ''semikhah''.

In recent times, some institutions grant ordination for the role of '' hazzan'' (cantor), extending the "investiture" granted there from the 1950s. Less commonly, since the 1990s, ordination is granted for the role of lay leader - sometimes titled '' darshan''. Ordination may then also be specifically termed , "rabbinical ordination", , "cantorial ordination", or , "maggidic ordination".

The title of "rabbi" has "proliferated greatly over the last century".

Nowadays ''Semikha'' is also granted for a limited form of ordination, focused on the application of Halakha in specific settings as opposed to underlying Talmudic knowledge.
Outside of Orthodox Judaism, in fact, the curriculum may emphasize "the other functions of a modern rabbi such as preaching, counselling, and pastoral work".

Related terminology

The word ''semikhah'' derives from a Hebrew root סמכ (''smk'') that means to "rely on", in the sense of "lean on", or "to be authorized"; the literal meaning of ' is "leaning f the hands.
''Semikhah'' may refer to the "conferring" of the ordination, or as a noun, to the certification itself, where the plural is ''Semakhot'' (or ''Semachot''); one with ordination may then be referred to as a ''Musmach''.
A precedent Biblical usage is Numbersbr>8:10
describing the preparation of the Levites for service.

A rabbi is also sometimes referred to as a ''Moreh Hora'ah'' (מורה הוראה) "one who teaches alakhicdecisions", while the ordination itself is called ''Heter Hora'ah'' (היתר הוראה) "permission to make Halakhic decisions", certifying that the holder has the facility to apply his "thorough knowledge of the Talmud"Hattarat hora'ah
jewishencyclopedia.com to the facts of a given ''halakhic'' question, and (implicitly) certifies also that the candidate is suitable to function as a community Rabbi.
These terms derive from Leviticusbr>10:11
where the requirement is specified'' Sefer Mitzvot Katan'
111
sees this verse as constituting a positive commandment. See also ''Mishneh Torah''
''Talmud Torah'' 5:4
/ref> that ''halakhic'' decisions are to be made only by a qualified authority.

Concept

In concept, ''semikhah'' represents a "bond" (''masorah'') dating back to the time of Moses (Moshe) and Joshua (Yehoshua); see above re. ''"Hora'ah"''. It is held that ''Hashem'' taught the Torah to Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) on Mount Sinai in 1312 BCE and that since that time, the knowledge of Torah has been passed from generation to generation by the conferment of ''semikhah'', rabbinic ordination, or the unbroken transmission of authority dating back to that time. This unbroken chain of Torah teaching is thus said to have continued for over 3,300 years, and continues to this day.

The ancient formula for ''semikhah'' was ''"Yoreh Yoreh. Yadin Yadin"''. ("May he decide? He may decide! May he judge? He may judge!"); and in the early days of rabbinical Judaism any ordained teacher could ordain his students.
Classical ''semikhah'' was granted by a court of three judges, and it later required the participation of at least one who had attained this status, himself. According to Maimonides the other two need not be ''semukhim''.

Today, ''semikha'' is generally through an institution, a ''yeshiva'' or specialized ''kollel'', but is often granted by an individual.
The testing here''Catalog''
Rabbinical College of America''Semikhah Requirements''
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary''Catalog''
Rabbinical College Bobover
confirms one's ability to decide ("") a question in ''halakha'' (Jewish law). The examination has a dual concern: firstly it confirms knowledge of the law as presented in ''Shulchan Aruch'', the standard code of law (with more recent applications from relevant ''teshuvot'', or responsa); secondly, it also confirms an understanding of the underlying ''principles'', by testing the relevant Talmudic '' sugyas'', together with their development in the ''Rishonim'' and ''Acharonim'', especially the ''Tur''; see .

Varieties of ordination

The Talmud lists three classes of ''semikhah'' issued: ''Yoreh Yoreh'', ''Yadin Yadin'', and ''Yatir Bechorot Yatir''; while the first two are still issued, the last is not.
Additional forms of ''semikhah'' issued in modern times are discussed below.
* ''Yoreh Yoreh'' (Hebrew: יורה יורה): The recipient of this ''semikhah'' demonstrated sufficient education and proper judgment to be able to render '' halakhic'' judgments on matters of religious law as it pertains to daily life, focusing on '' kashrut'', referred to as ''"Issur v'Hetter"'', and ''niddah'' (both from Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah), and permissible or forbidden activities on Shabbat and Yom Tov (Orach Chaim). The holder of this ''Semikha'', as above, is referred to also as a ''Moreh Hora'ah'' and the ordination itself is called ''Heter Hora'ah''.
* ''Yadin Yadin'' (Hebrew: ידין ידין, Ashkenazi pronunciation: ''Yoden Yoden''): The recipient of this ''semikhah'' demonstrated sufficient education and proper judgment to be able to render ''halakhic'' judgments on matters of religious law as it pertains to monetary and property disputes; the basis here is the ''Choshen Mishpat'' section; this ''semikhah'' is usually required for a rabbi to act as a Dayan (rabbinic judge), and, typically, is granted only to those already holding ''Yoreh Yoreh''.
* ''Yatir Bechorot Yatir'': The recipient of this ''semikhah'' demonstrated sufficient education and proper judgment to determine the ritual status of firstborn animals that have developed a blemish. This degree required extensive veterinary knowledge. See .

Many ''Yoreh Yoreh'' programs, for example the Chief Rabbinate's and RIETS, include testing in ''Avelut'' (Laws of mourning; ''Yoreh Deah'') and/or Jewish marital law (''Even Ha'ezer'' section).
Traditionally – and on the other hand – ''Yoreh Yoreh'' covered ''kashrut'' only, and this is still often the case.
Although apparently limited,
the basis here is that, as mentioned, ''semikha'' is in fact a confirmation of the ability - and right - of the holder to ''pasken'' in general, Moshe Isserles
Yoreh De'ah 242:14
/ref> and that, as required, the rabbi can correctly apply his Talmudic and ''Halakhic'' knowledge to other areas (and where necessary refer complex cases to a ''posek'', a more qualified authority; see ).
A ''semikha'' focusing on the laws of '' Shabbat'' is sometimes granted, similarly.
Often, ''niddah'' will require a separate specialized certification, as - given their intricate and sensitive nature - an element of ''shimush'', or "apprenticeship", pertains particularly to these ''halakhot''.
(Note that ''shimush'' more generally, is (implicitly) required before one serves as a Rabbi.)
It is not uncommon for a rabbi to hold several certificates, with each ''semikha'' covering a specific area of ''halakha''.
Certification, with similar testing, is also required for one to qualify as a '' Shochet'', ''Mohel'', ''Sofer'', or ''Menakker''; these inhere a major practical element, and thus require significant ''shimush''.

Modern ''semakhot''

As outlined, additional forms of ''semikhah'' are issued in modern times
What Is a Rabbi?
Yehuda Shurpin, chabad.org
with their content departing from the above, to an extent reflecting

the contemporary Rabbinic role.
See for further outline.

An Orthodox ''semikha'', "''Rav U'Manhig''", "(pulpit) Rabbi and (community) leader", essentially testifies that the recipient has sufficient Torah knowledge to serve in a position of leadershipSee Aruch HaShulchanbr>Yoreh Deah 242:29
where it is held that in recent times, additional to granting ''Heter Ho'ra'ah'', ''semicha'' certifies one's suitability for the role of Community Rabbi. (as "rabbi" essentially means "teacher", not necessarily "halakhic authority"). The testing here covers ''Orach Chaim'' extensively, usually with limited emphasis on the underlying Talmudic ''sugyas''. See the related discussion re "semicha-testing programs" and "online semicha" at .

Pluralistic and non-denominational movements grant an ordination titled "''Rav U-moreh/morah BeYisrael''", "Rabbi and Teacher in Israel". The curriculum here, as above, may emphasize "the other functions of a modern rabbi such as preaching, counselling, and pastoral work",Ordination (Semicha)
myjewishlearning.com as opposed to ''Halakha''; further, often in these institutions less emphasis is placed on Talmud and Jewish law, "but rather on sociology, cultural studies, and modern Jewish philosophy".Rabbi Steven Blane (N.D.)
"Ordination and Semicha"
jsli.net
See .

In contrast to these, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel confers the further advanced ''semikhah'' of "''Rav Ir''", " hiefRabbi of a City". This covers additional relevant topics from all sections of Shulchan Aruch - such as ''gerut'' - and, as for ''Dayanut'', has ''Yoreh Yoreh'' as a prerequisite; see .

Ordination ceremony

The ceremony where ordination is conferred is known as ''Chag HaSemikhah'', the festival of ordination. Today in most branches of Judaism, there is no laying on of hands; ordination is conferred as an academic degree with a diploma, signed by the officiating rabbis, often hand-written on parchment.
In fact, receiving ordination has been a festive occasion accompanied by celebration since Talmudic times. According to the Talmud, when the rabbis ordained Rabbi Zeira, they sang a bridal song in his honor: "Even though she painted not her eyes with antimony, neither darkened her cheeks with rouge, nor plaited her hair, she is still a graceful doe f exceptional beauty" the analogy and implication being: just as a bride is inherently beautiful, so for ordination, one's Torah knowledge must be immediately apparent.
They also sang at the ordination of Rabbi Ammi and Rabbi Assi: "Just like these, just like these, ordain for us!"; epitomizing, as they did, the ideal candidate for oridnation. This wording - כל מן דין סמוכו לנא - as per the certificate displayed, is still often included on ''semikhah'' diplomas.

Contemporary usage

In the prevailing sense, "" generally refers to the ordination of a rabbi within all modern Jewish religious movements from Reform to Orthodox.

This "'" signifies the transmission of rabbinic authority to give advice or judgment in Jewish law, thus overlapping to some extent with the classical usage, per #Concept above; see also .
In this context, ''" Rav Muvhak"'' is sometimes used to refer to a student's primary teacher.

, ordination as a cantor, similarly signifies the transmission of authoritative knowledge about Jewish musical and liturgical traditions. This is granted within some denominations.

Status of current rabbis

Although presently most functioning synagogue (i.e. " pulpit") rabbis hold ''semikhah'', this was until quite recently not always required, and in fact many Haredi rabbis may possibly not be required to hold a "formal" ''semikhah'' even though they may occupy important rabbinical and leadership positions. The reasons being that what is prized in the communities they serve and lead is most of all a supreme mastery of the Talmud with a vast knowledge of the commentaries of the Rishonim and Acharonim and Responsa, added to knowledge of the Shulchan Aruch and Halakha ("Jewish Law"). In the UK, a communal minister who does not have ''semikhah'' has the title "Reverend" rather than "rabbi".

Many Hasidic rebbes and Rosh yeshivas of major Orthodox yeshivas are not required to "prove" to their flocks that they do or do not hold formal ''semikhah'' because their reputations as Torah-scholars and sages is unquestioned and esteemed based on the recommendations of trusted sages, and the experiences and interactions that many knowledgeable Torah-observant Jews have with them, which thus gives practical testimony based on experience that these great rabbis are indeed worthy to be called as such.

For example, according to some reports Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (known as the ''Chafetz Chayim'') did not officially receive ''semikhah'' until late in life, when a formal rabbinic qualification was necessary for him to call himself "rabbi" on an immigration application. Most current ''poskim'', however, do have ''semikhah''.

Just as a debate exists about who is a Jew, there is little consensus as to who is a rabbi. The Reform movement in a Responsa states that for their Temples, pulpit rabbis need to attend and complete their academic program at the Reform movement's rabbinic schools. But they further state that this does not negate other sects of Judaism from accepting the time-honored ''semikhah'' of one-on-one. Nor do they deal with the issue of rabbis who are not pulpit rabbis but teach, study, and do research. They do say that the need for three rabbis is unneeded as the two additional rabbis are just witnesses and cannot attest to the new rabbi's knowledge.

Ordination of cantors

Many cantorial institutions in the United States currently grant to their students. Some have historically used the term ''investiture'' to describe the conferral of cantorial authority onto their graduates.

The term ''investiture'' was originally intended to make a distinction between the ordination of rabbis and that of cantors. However, in response to the increased responsibility of the cantor in contemporary American synagogues, some institutions such as Hebrew Union College (Reform) have recently begun to use the term "ordination" instead of "investiture." Other institutions that ordain cantors include Hebrew College (pluralistic), the Academy for Jewish Religion (pluralistic), and Aleph ( Renewal).

As of 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary (Conservative) will begin ordaining its cantors.

Modern Lay Leader Ordination

Beginning in the mid to late 1990's, the Reform, Renewal and Conservative Jewish movements have ordained lay leaders to positions such as spiritual director, darshan (chaplain), and pastor.
Lay leaders within Judaism serve both in formal spaces like synagogues, independent minyan, in Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, hospitals and community centers.

Several yeshivas and other academies now train and certify lay leaders, such as Darshan Yeshiva, ALEPH Pastor Program, the Union for Reform Judaism,
and AJRCA's chaplaincy school

Classical ''semikhah''

Classical ''semikhah'' refers to a specific type of ordination that, according to traditional Jewish teaching, traces a line of authority back to Moses, The Men of the Great Assembly, and the Great Sanhedrin. The line of classical ''semikhah'' is generally believed to have died out in the 4th or 5th century CE, but it is widely held that a line of Torah conferment remains unbroken.

Hebrew Bible

According to the Hebrew Bible

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