A New In-Person Smicha Program · Begins Elul 5786 · Tzfat, Israel
Smicha, built on practical halacha
and real shimush
Learn to pasken in person with Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein — director of Shulchanaruchharav.com and author of more than 80 sefarim used in Semicha programs around the world.
80+
Sefarim authored
on practical halacha
~15k
In-depth articles —
world's leading halacha database
Live
In-person & weekly
in Tzfat, Israel
HaRav
80+
Sefarim
20 yrs
Of Psak
Learn from a posek who created and operates one of the most popular Halacha websites in the world
Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein is a posek, rav, and maggid shiur whose life's work has been to make practical Halacha accessible — clear enough to learn, and sound enough to rely on.
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Founder and director of Shulchanaruchharav.com — the world's leading web-based Halacha database, with roughly 15,000 in-depth articles.
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Author of 80+ sefarim on practical Halacha, used in Semicha programs worldwide.
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Performed years of Shimush under Harav Asher Lemel HaKohen of Beitar Illit; consults with senior Chabad poskim.
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Rosh Kolel of the Merkos 302 "Aliba D'Hilchasa" kolel for practical and business halacha; certified Shochet.
It is self-understood how important it is that every ben Torah acquire knowledge in the practical areas of halacha and receive semicha.
— The Lubavitcher Rebbe
The Goal of the Program
Premium Smicha Track for Experienced Talmidim
Our new Smicha Program is for Temimim Aiming for the Gold-Standard
The Higher Goal
To develop the ability to learn through sugyos properly, analyze sources independently, and arrive at clear, well-grounded psak.
And, ultimately, to serve Klal Yisrael responsibly — as a rav or posek others can rely on.
The goal is not only to give Smicha, but to produce yirei shamayim and anshei emes — people who know how to think through a shaila properly, and become true, reliable contributors to Klal Yisrael.
How It Works
A full week of halacha, sugya, and shimush
A structured weekly rhythm that moves from applied halacha, to deep mastery of a single sugya, to hands-on training in real psak.
The Weekly Structure
An intensive, full-day program
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Practical Halacha
2× Weekly- Real-world, applied halachic topics
- Structured presentations (including PowerPoint)
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In-Depth Sugya
1× Weekly- One topic learned properly over about six months
- Aim: full clarity and mastery on specific areas of Halacha — Ribis, Tzedaka, Kashrus, Birchas Hanehnin, Aveilus, Yichud, and more
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The Differentiator 1× Weekly · e.g. Monday afternoon Smicha StudentsShimush — Hands-On Rabbinic Training
- Rabbi Goldstein brings real shaalos he received that week — or from previous occasions
- Case-based training in how to handle a real shaila, step by step
1
Approach a shaila
2
Break it down
3
Arrive at an answer properly
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Toward Semicha — the Core Curriculum
Yoreh Deah · Issur V'HeterSmicha Seder students cover the classic subjects of a Chabad semicha — learned toward kabbalas semicha:
Issur V'Heter Basar B'Cholov Ta'aroivos Melicha Hilchos Shabbos
The Sugyos
Examples of practical halacha covered
Learned in depth, over months — until the sugya is genuinely yours.
The Approach
Not just a curriculum — a relationship
A clear methodology of learning and psak, in a consistent and immersive environment — with meaningful relationships in which Rabbi Goldstein guides each talmid not only academically, but as a true talmid under his care and responsibility.
Who it's for
Those pursuing Smicha to serve as rabbanim and poskim.
Those who want to become grounded and capable in halacha and clear in their avodas Hashem.
Ready to Begin?
Apply for the Smicha program
Places are limited and learning is in-person in Tzfat. Tell us about yourself and we'll be in touch.
Begins
Elul 5786
Location
Tzfat, Israel
Format
In-person · Weekly
Tuition
Request info
Questions
Before you apply
The program is built for serious, advanced learners who can sit and learn a sugya. Both those aiming for Smicha to serve as rabbanim and those seeking to become grounded baalei halacha are welcome. Reach out and we'll discuss your background and the right starting point.
The core Chabad semicha curriculum — Issur V'Heter, Basar B'Cholov, Ta'aroivos, Melicha, and Hilchos Shabbos — learned toward kabbalas semicha. Alongside it, talmidim master practical, applied sugyos in depth (Ribis, Tzedaka, Kashrus, Birchas Hanehnin, Aveilus, Yichud and more), paired with hands-on Shimush in how to handle real shaalos. The emphasis throughout is on arriving at clear, well-grounded psak.
Full Daily Seder, Davening, and Shabbat Schedule. Practical Halacha twice weekly; one in-depth sugya weekly (carried over roughly six months); Shimush once weekly for Smicha students; and Hilchos Shabbos on Thursdays. Learning is in-person in Tzfat.
Please request info and our team will share tuition details along with any available support.
Click Apply Now or Request Info and tell us a little about yourself and your learning. We'll follow up to talk through fit and next steps.