Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi is most well-known for authoring the Tanya, one of the cornerstones of Chassidic study. What is not as well known, is that his first printed work had a different focus altogether. Titled Hilchos Talmud Torah, this Halachic masterpiece details the obligation of Torah study as it applies to various types of people, as well as the priorities one must have in learning. One point that repeats itself over and over is that one’s first obligation is to learn those parts in Torah that have a day to day application, i.e. Halacha (Jewish law). Without learning those laws, one cannot properly live as a Jew.
One of the areas of the Jewish home which can be the most complicated is the kitchen. The laws of kosher are numerous and complex, and can seem like a maze to those who are unfamiliar. In addition to the requirements for the actual food products to be kosher, there are Torah mandated laws regarding the actual cooking process, as well as the strict separation of milk and meat. In order to keep track of the numerous details necessary to keep a kosher kitchen, and to know what problems may arise and how to deal with them, one must be a “rabbi in his home”.
However, learning these halachos may seem like an insurmountable challenge, even for those with a solid yeshiva education. One must be familiar with the style of the Shulchan Oruch and its commentaries, with each commentator’s unique way of writing and bringing their point across. For one who never had the chance to immerse in intensive Torah study or the opportunity to delve into Halacha, the crucial halachos necessary to keep a
kosher home may seem inaccessible.
Online Smicha provides a unique opportunity for anyone who desires to learn. Utilizing advanced technology to bring together students from around the globe, Online Smicha creates a virtual classroom. This unique program enables one study towards smicha (rabbinic ordination) from the comfort of one’s home. The excellent staff is headed by Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Nachman Wilhelm, who is well known for his clear and lucid explanations, taking these complex laws and bringing them to life, making them understandable to the average layman through day-to-day examples, visual aids, and interactive work. For some students, this learning opportunity has given them back the enjoyment in learning.
“I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into it. I haven’t felt a “geshmak” of goal oriented learning like this in a long time. I also have to say that it is rare to have such a dynamic and energetic Maggid Shiur.” —Mr. Yisroel Farbman of New York
“I must say that the program, either for smicha or for reviewing one’s learning, is a very structured and enjoyable tool.” —Dr. Chaim Bitton of Zurich, Switzerland
In addition to the regular Smicha Program, there is a fast track for more advanced study as well as a bi-weekly shiur in Kitzur Shulchan Oruch for more basic study sessions. Online Smicha makes learning complex halachos accessible to Jews of all walks of life, regardless of previous Torah learning experience.
We are proud to utilize the latest technology to enable others to be kove’a itim, setting aside set times for Torah study, and learn the halachos needed to live as a Jew.
www.onlinesmicha.com