Level 2 - Jewish Law

YTD Semicha Program

Program Overview

The YTD semicha program is a one-year program designed to give students all the knowledge and skills needed to become a certified ordained Rabbi and be part of the next generation of Jewish leaders and influencers.

Date

Nov 3, 2024 – Mar 27, 2025

Location

Main Campus Safed, Israel

Ages

20-30

become a Jewish leader

Comprehensive Rabbinic Training

Gain mastery in halacha, practical rabbinics, and Chassidic philosophy, equipping you with the full spectrum of skills needed to become a knowledgeable and effective Rabbi.

Leadership Experience

Develop real-world leadership and public speaking abilities through practical workshops and mentorship, preparing you to confidently guide your community and navigate complex situations.

Supportive Environment

Be part of a collaborative and uplifting community, where personalized attention and peer support help you grow spiritually and professionally as you work toward ordination.

Introducing

Ytd Semicha program

Our Semicha Program is designed to address the challenges and uncertainties you face in your journey toward becoming a Rabbi. We provide a clear, structured path to help you navigate the complexities of halacha and rabbinical responsibilities, giving you the confidence to lead with clarity and purpose.

Through our comprehensive curriculum, you’ll gain in-depth mastery of Jewish law, practical rabbinics, and pastoral skills, all while building connections within a supportive community of like-minded peers. Our program equips you with the knowledge and experience needed to become an ordained Rabbi and a strong, influential leader. Discover how our Semicha Program can be the foundation for your rabbinical career and personal fulfillment.

Curriculum Overview

Halachic Foundations

Students will engage in the study of core halachic texts such as Shulchan Aruch and Mishnah Berurah. Focus areas include the laws of Shabbat, Kashrut, and daily Jewish living. This section ensures a strong grasp of halachic principles and practical application, preparing students to address real-world questions and issues with confidence.

Practical Rabbinics

Get hands-on training in the essential duties of a Rabbi, including how to conduct lifecycle events such as weddings, funerals, and circumcisions. Students will also learn the dynamics of synagogue leadership, pastoral counseling, and community engagement, with an emphasis on effective communication and relationship-building

Chassidus and Jewish Philosophy

Students will delve into Chassidic teachings, exploring texts from the Tanya, Likutei Torah, and works of the Rebbe. This section enhances their spiritual understanding and leadership skills by integrating profound philosophical insights with practical guidance for living a Torah life and inspiring others.

Leadership and Public Speaking

This section focuses on developing the leadership qualities and public speaking skills necessary for a successful rabbinic career. Through workshops and real-life practice, students will refine their ability to deliver meaningful drashot (sermons), teach Torah classes, and effectively lead in both formal and informal settings.

Ruvi Leibovich

Melbourne, Aus

“YTD’s environment pushed me to grow and gave me the ability to learn on my own in different aspects of Torah beyond what I imagined.”

Zohar Sheffield

Tzfat, Israel

“My heart opened up to the sweetest Torah you could imagine. This place breathes life into all that come in contact with it.”

The City of Tzfat

Located in the historic city of Safed, Israel, our Yeshiva offers the unique advantage of studying in one of the most spiritually enriching environments in Jewish tradition. Known for its deep historical and mystical significance, Safed provides a profound backdrop for your learning journey.

 

The city’s vibrant Jewish community and picturesque surroundings create an inspiring atmosphere that enhances your educational experience, fostering a deeper connection to your studies and heritage. Here, you’ll not only gain knowledge but also immerse yourself in a city that has been a center of Jewish thought and spirituality for centuries.

Upon graduation, one should expect to:

Confidently Lead a Community

With practical experience and a deep understanding of halacha, you’ll be equipped to take on leadership roles in synagogues, schools, or community organizations, guiding others with clarity and compassion.

Provide Halachic Guidance

As an ordained Rabbi, you’ll be able to confidently address halachic questions and provide solutions for individuals and communities, ensuring they can navigate Jewish law in their daily lives.

Perform Rabbinic Duties

From kashering kitchens to putting up mezuzas, you’ll have the training to perform all the essential rabbinic responsibilities with professionalism and care.

Facilities

Our new campus is a luxuriously renovated Ottoman-era fortress. It is housed on a large private compound in the heart of Tsfat’s Old City, complete with an orchard and fountains.
Come for a visit!

 

Our motto is “Make Yeshiva too good to refuse.” We discovered that by providing five-star service, students feel like valued members of an important mission, causing them to take their studies far more seriously.

Zohar Sheffield

Tzfat, Israel

“My heart opened up to the sweetest Torah you could imagine. This place breathes life into all that come in contact with it.”

Resources

Our yeshiva provides access to a library of Jewish texts, online materials, study guides, and mentorship opportunities to support your growth. Visit our website or contact our office for more details on available resources.

Who Is This Program for?

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. Our program is designed to provide you with the practical skills to lead in real-world situations. You’ll learn how to integrate halachic and Torah wisdom into everyday life, enabling you to guide and support your community in practical and meaningful ways.

Yes, it’s a responsible choice. Gaining semicha provides you with a solid foundation of knowledge and leadership skills that will enhance your future career, whether in Jewish or secular fields. Many of our graduates find that this year of focused growth accelerates their personal and professional development.

No, our program encourages personal growth and leadership within the framework of halacha and Chassidus. We support your individual journey, helping you develop into a Rabbi with a unique voice and approach, while being part of a diverse and vibrant community.

Our program provides you with a broad skill set that is applicable in many fields. Even if you choose not to pursue a full-time rabbinical career, the leadership, halachic knowledge, and pastoral skills you gain will benefit you in any area of life, including business, education, or community service.

Our curriculum is designed to give you both a deep spiritual foundation and the practical tools needed to lead in real-world scenarios. You’ll learn how to manage the demands of halachic decision-making, pastoral care, and community leadership while maintaining your own spiritual growth.

Absolutely. The program not only equips you with rabbinical skills but also prepares you to build and maintain a Jewish home. You’ll gain the wisdom to guide your family and others in living a life of Torah and mitzvot, strengthening your own future as a husband and father.

Enroll now and become a Jewish leader

2024-2025

Academic Calendar

Fall semester

Elul Zman

Thursday, Septermber 3, 2024 – Sunday, October 13, 2024
1st of Tishrei, 5785 – 11th of Tishrei, 5785

Succos Progam

Thursday, October 17, 2024 – Thursday, October 24, 2024
15th of Tishrei, 5785 – 29th of Tishrei, 5785

Yeshiva Progam

Sunday, November 3 2024 – Thursday, March 27, 2025
2nd of Marcheshvan, 5785 – 27th of Adar, 5785

Spring semester

Yeshiva Program

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 – Sunday, August 3, 2025
1st of Iyar, 5785 – 9th of Av, 5785

Mivtzoim Progam

Monday, August 4, 2025 – Monday, August 25, 2025
10th of Av, 5785 – 1st of Elul, 5785