SEMICHA PROGRAMME

סמיכה Programme

Applications Invited for Elul 5786 / September 2026 Intake

The Rabbinic Training Academy invites applications from qualified candidates for its סמיכה programme. Suitable candidates will be eligible to receive a London Beth Din Semicha.

The programme aims to prepare the next generation of community Rabbonim through a rigorous combination of Torah learning, practical training and personal development. It seeks to develop rabbinic leaders with substantial proficiency in practical halacha, equipped to apply halachic principles thoughtfully and responsibly to contemporary communal life, while recognising the limits of their own authority and knowing when to seek guidance from senior rabbinic colleagues. The programme is delivered in a welcoming environment that fosters personal growth, intellectual discussion, and mutual respect.

Programme Overview

  • סמיכה conferred to eligible candidates by the London Beth Din
  • Rosh Kollel: Rav Chaim Rapoport
  • Programme Director: Rabbi Shaul Rosenblatt
  • Semicha Coordinator: Rabbi Akiva Rosenblatt
  • Half-day structured לימוד programme (09:15 – 13:15)
  • Emphasis on depth, clarity, and practical psak

Course of Study

Programme Structure

Phase 1
Ta’arovos & Basar B’Chalav

Yoreh Deah Simanim 87-97

The syllabus focuses on the core sugyos of איסור והיתר and בשר בחלב, ensuring that the key מראי מקומות in the גמרא and ראשונים are learnt so that each sugya is clearly understood from its foundations through to its הלכה למעשה.

It includes a limmud of most of שו”ע יו”ד סי’ פ״ז–קי״א, with carefully selected ש״ך, ט״ז, פר”מ and פ”ת (as well as others) to balance depth with efficiency. In addition, the sugyos of הכשר כלים are covered through סי’ קכ״א–קכ״ב.

Phase 2
Rabbinic Practical Training

Hilchos Aveilus
  • Aninus
  • Kevurah
  • Shiva
  • Shloshim
  • Yahrzeit and United Synagogue minhagim
  • Community guidance and pastoral responsibilities
Hilchos Siddur Kiddushin
  • Requirements of eidim
  • Nusach and procedure
  • Kesubah requirements
  • Chuppah procedures
  • Importance of absolute adherence to London Beth Din policies and minhagim
  • Avoidance of halachic errors
Hilchos Krias HaTorah & Sta”m
  • Mistakes in a sefer torah
  • Correcting a Baal Koreh
  • Aliyos – precedence and common issues

Phase 3
Consolidation & Semicha Preparation

  • Complete a comprehensive review of all material
  • Attend advanced shiurim and practical workshops
  • Present written halachic analyses
  • Demonstrate practical rabbinic competence
Final Examinations

RTA Examination
Comprehensive examination covering all topics

London Beth Din Oral Examination
Formal oral bechinah before the London Beth Din.

Structure & Assesment
  • 18-month programme
  • Regular written assessments throughout the course
  • Final written examination
  • Oral examination before Dayanim of the London Beth Din

The London Beth Din maintains full discretion with regard to the conferment of סמיכה.

Eligibility

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Several years of serious post-yeshiva/kollel learning
  • Strong grounding in Gemara and halacha
  • Intellectual rigour and clarity in learning
  • The capacity and aspiration to serve the community in a rabbinic or halachic capacity
Standards & Certification

Participants must demonstrate:

  • Thorough knowledge of the curriculum
  • Ability to navigate primary sources independently
  • Competence in understanding psak
  • Appropriate personal and rabbinic conduct
APPLICATIONS

Enquire About Joining the Semicha Programme

Places on the Semicha programme are limited and offered following a personal conversation. Send us a short enquiry and we’ll be in touch to discuss your background and next steps.

Semicha Programme Entry