About Us

Visit our parent organization Chonen Daas for full information about our organization

About Semicha

We offer three types of semicha :

  1. Rav U’Manhig (Rabbinical Rabbi of a Shul or Congregation). Given upon completion of all 6 Mishneh Berureh courses
  2. Yoreh Yoreh (Standard Semicha on Yoreh Deah). Given upon completion of the Yoreh Deah course (see details below).
  3. Yadin Yadin (Semicha on Choshen Mishpat; Money Matters). Given upon completion of the Choshen Mishpat course.

Mishneh Berureh – a commentary on Orach Chaim – is the longest course we offer. It is the most INTENSE COURSE taking approximately 3 years to complete. About 50 tests on the subject and the Semicha is Rav U’Manhig. Subjects covered consisting of Halacha of waking up in the morning, davening, Shabbos and all holidays.  Each Shiur is 45 minutes long and each shiur has about 5 questions on  that shiur. The passing grade for each test is 70%, and semicha will be awarded once all tests for all six volumes are completed. “Rav U’ Manhig” means “Rabbi & Leader” and is the Semicha that is generally given at Ner Yisrael Yeshiva.

There are two courses given on Yoreh Deah: Rabbi Channen gives Semicha “Yoreh Yoreh” on the first Chelek on Kashruth. Please see the Chonen Daas website for full information. Rabbi Katz gives Semicha “Yoreh Yoreh” on the second section of Yoreh Deah. This section deals with the laws of honoring parents, charity, visiting the sick, learning torah, mourning, the Land of Israel, and medicine.. A graduate of this course must also take a course in Choshen Mishpat or Even Ha’Ezer to receive semicha since there is not a special semicha for Yoreh Deah.

Even Ha’Ezer deals with subjects related to marriage and divorce. A graduate of this course must also take a course in Choshen Mishpat or Yoreh Deah to receive semicha since there is not a special semicha for Even Ha’Ezer.

Choshen Mishpat deals with monetary laws. A graduate of this course would receive semicha in “Yadin Yadin.” Note that this course is still under development.

A typical semicha certificate for Rav u’Manhig. This particular one belongs to Lev Seltzer, one of the administrators of the course.

Meet Our Lead Instructors

These are the people who make it all happen

Rabbi Dr. Shmuel Katz

Rabbi Shmuel Katz studied at Yeshivat Keren BeYavneh at a very early age, under the guidance of Rav Goldvecht, zt”l. From there he attended Yeshiva University, where he majored in Physics.
He was offered a free full scholarship to N.Y.U. Dental school and graduated with Honors in 1993.
At the age of 30, he moved to Israel with his family, and dedicated his time to learning.
Over the last 18 years, Shmuel has taught Sha’s and Shulchan Aruch to a nice group of “Chaverim”.
Shmuel currently runs 6 free dental clinics in Israel and has limited his practice to the removal of impacted wisdom teeth in Ramat Beit Shemesh.
His main goal is the study of Halacha and learning from others.

Rabbi Lev Seltzer

Rabbi Lev Seltzer studied Civil Engineering at Tufts University and graduated in 1986 with honors.
After a successful career writing software for synagogue management, he uprooted himself from Queens, NY, in 1992 and made Aliyah.
He studied for several years at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach, where he was instrumental in creating their first website.
He eventually married and raised a family in Ramat Beit Shemesh. He was one of the founding members of the Achos Shoalti Kollel in 1999, which was renamed “The Gra Kollel” and is now part of www.kollelbeishillel.com, where he still learns. Seltzer also founded Kehillas Shivtei Yeshurun and is currently the Chairman of Beis Medrash Ahavas Shalom www.ahavasshalom.org as well as the Gabbai of Beis Tefillah’s Vasikin Minyon www.btya.org.

What Our Students Have to Say

“This sefer is truly a reflection of all of Rabbi Shmuel Katz’s efforts and Halachic genius. He simplifies the Shulchan Aruch, into a real-life guide – Truly Amazing!”
Gershon Kayman, Esq. Real Estate Attorney
“A magnificent and simple way to get a good understanding of a wide variety of Halachos as explained by the Shulchan Aruch and other traditional sources.”
Avraham SheffieldProfessional Engineer & Economist
1509“Rabbi Dr. Shmuel Katz presents the material in an enjoyable and clear way. This volume brings Halacha to life in our modern times. It is a must for learning practical Halacha.”
David Block, DMDDentist
“Rabbi Shmuel Katz’s practical and fun Q&A has brought Halachic clarity into our home, every day, and all year round.”
Jonathan Sassen – CTOElectric Fuel Ltd.
“Rav Shmuel Katz’s new sefer has great benefit. One can learn Halacha in a simple enjoyable way, it can be used as a review, and best, as a companion to one’s Shabbos table reviewing a couple of questions each Shabbos. You will surely enjoy this sefer.”
Rafi GoldmeierIT Consultant
“This sefer is a fantastic guide to learning and reviewing Halacha. It is presented in a clear and well-organized format, with interesting examples based on relatable scenarios.”
Baruch M. BebchickLawyer

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