Why I Should Join
While standard semicha learning helps one gain knowledge of the Shulchan Aruch and meforshim, it generally doesn’t touch upon the questions unique to our times. It also doesn’t include the rich halachic material found in the shaalos uteshuvos of contemporary poskim, which is vital for being able to ascertain the halacha in modern-day cases that are constantly developing due to technological advances.
Our immersive shiurim, in addition to addressing modern and contemporary issues, will be accompanied by clear PowerPoint presentations, which will make the study relevant and interesting, and also include information on the scientific and factual aspects of the halachos discussed.
You will learn the necessary background in medicine, technology, and business corporations to be fully equipped to understand the halachuc rulings.
Which stream suites me?
The Rebbe on learning
the mechanics of new technology
ועוד ענין בזה:
בעקבות חידוש והתפתחות הטכניקה בשנים האחרונות — נתעוררו כו”כ שאלות חדשות בעניני הלכה למעשה, שלא היו בדורות שלפנינו. ומובן, שכדי לפסוק הלכה בענינים כאלו — צריכים לדעת תחילה את אופן הפעולה של אותו מכשיר מסויים (וכיו׳׳ב) שאודותיו מתעוררת השאלה, ורק אז יכולים לגשת לפסק־ההלכה. וע”ד שאמר רב, “י”ח חדשים גדלתי אצל רועה בהמה כדי לדעת איזה מום קבוע ואיזה מום עובר”. והגע עצמך: לאחרי שהי’ רב בדרגת גדול בתורה, ראש־ישיבה וכו’ — “הקדיש מזמנו ועיסוקיו כ”ראש־ישיבה”, והלך לשהות במחיצתו של “רועה בהמה” במשך י”ח חודש, כדי שיהי’ “בקי במומי”!
…
ומזה מובן גם בעניננו, שכדי לפסוק בענינים הקשורים עם התפתחות הטכניקה — יש ללמוד ולדעת את כל מה שקשור לאופן פעולתו של המכשיר וכיו”ב.
(משיחת ש”פ נשא תשמ”ה)
About the Maggid shiur
Rabbi Faitel Levin is considered one of the greatest authorities on Jewish law today, with special expertise in science, medicine, technology and contemporary communal issues.
Rabbi Levin has served as head of the renowned Gutnick Rabbinical Ordination Center in Melbourne for eighteen years, educating and ordaining hundreds of students who went on to serve as rabbis across the globe.
Rabbi Levin is the author of the highly popular three-volume index Hamafteach Hagadol on topical issues in halacha, and many other works and articles.
He has lectured at many major rabbinic and medical conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a week must I devote to this study program?
Participation in the אליבא דהלכתא stream can require as little as 3-4 hours a week. If you choose to do the שונה הלכות stream, you will need approximately another hour or two to learn the tshuvos, at your own pace. Each module includes time for chazarah. However, if you want to have the full experience and would like to participate in the תורתו אומנותו stream, you will need at least five hours a day (five days a week), to study the relevant teshuvos in depth, listen to the shiurim, and review all the above for the exams. תורתו אומנותו is an intense curriculum that requires diligence and time. It is also the most rewarding in terms of the study itself and the knowledge you will attain that can be applied to your rabbonus and/or shlichus.
How do I know if this program is for me?
If you a Rov or Shliach - or if you are planning on - and would like to be able to personally address the issues that consistently face you, or if you are serious about learning and want to gain a thorough understanding of contemporary halacha, this program is for you.
(Naturally, if you are a student in a yeshiva or kollel, permission must be received from the faculty before joining.)
How do I find out about the new shiurim?
You will receive email notifications each time a new shiur will be posted. All participants will have access to an online portal where all new shiurim will be uploaded.
Are the shiurim live or recorded?
The shiurim are recorded, the shiurim are posted on the website throughout the duration of the current module, and will be removed after the test, we strongly encourage to listen to the shiurim as they get posted, this way you can join the WhatsApp discussion.
How do I communicate with other participants and Rabbi Levin?
All participants will be able to join the WhatsApp groups where the current topics will be discussed.
Rabbi Levin will be present as well. If necessary or if it will be more comfortable for you, Rabbi Levin can be emailed at his personal address.
What type of certification will I receive at the end?
Whichever stream you choose, the certification will attest to considerable knowledge across a wide range of areas of contemporary halacha, none of them commonly covered in semicha. Depending on the stream you choose, it will attest to the depth of your knowledge. If you participate in the תורתו אומנותו stream, your certificate will also attest to your ability to reach for, open up, and successfully learn from the shaalos uteshuvos of contemporary poskim (in addition to Gemara, Tur, Beis Yosef, Shulchan Aruch and commentaries, as in semicha).
How much preparation is needed for the shiurim?
No preparation is needed for the shiurim. However, those who study the teshuvos curriculum will have a deeper understanding of the shiurim, as they will be typically studying many related texts.
I am very interested in this program. What types of scholarships are available?
Scholarships are available. Please email us the details of your work and financial situation and how much you can afford to pay, and we will try to accommodate your situation to the best of our ability. Please be very forthcoming and honest, and be assured that the information will remain completely confidential. Email your details to BMACH@merkos302.com.
I would love to participate in the full program; however, I don’t have adequate time to study, revise and complete the tests in one year. Can I enroll in the תורתו אומנותו stream and complete it over the course of multiple years?
Yes, we offer this possibility, in which you would be able, Bez”H, to complete the course over a two- or even three-year period. Ideally, you should take the tests at the time they are scheduled in each particular year. You would do a few tests one year during the set dates, and the remaining tests the following year during the set days for those tests. Other special arrangements can be made if necessary by contacting Rabbi Levin.
Who can I contact about the program?
Please send a message in the contact form at the bottom of the page. All communication will be answered by our administration, and will be treated with full confidentiality. It will be discussed only with the minimum number of people in our organization required to provide you with the correct answer. If you need to communicate directly with Rabbi Feitel Levin, please email: flevin18@gmail.com.