The Rabbinic training program is an intensive five-year program in two parts:
- A two year preparation program (Mechina)
- A three year program leading to ordination (Smicha)
Our alumni are at work in many arms of the Jewish world - campuses, communities, study halls, and classrooms. Wherever they go, they bring a refreshing openness and energy that transforms their community.
Participation in the Beit Midrash program, or a demonstrated equivalent ability, is a prerequisite to beginning the Rabbinic training program.
Preparation Program (Mechina)
The Mechina program provides the student with all of the tools that he will need to complete the 3 year Rabbinics program. It focuses on building the students familiarity with the halachic process, giving them experience and confidence in the halachic texts:
- Gemara and its halachic commentaries (Rif, Tosefot, and Rosh, etc.)
- Rambam and Nosei Kelim
- Tur and associated commentaries (Beit Yosef, Darcei Moshe, etc.)
- Shulchan Aruch and associated commentaries (Shach, Taz, etc.)
- The responsa literature
Participants in the mechina program continue to learn in-depth Talmud, Talmud for breadth, and inner teachings of Torah. They also continue to participate in workshops in spiritual growth, and are encouraged to maintain other courses of learning in their free time.
Ordination Program (Smicha)
The Smicha program provides its students with the tools they need to be a Rabbinic leader in the modern world. Participation in the mechina program or demonstrated equivalent ability is a prerequisite to being accepted to the Smicha program.
The Program includes:
- In-depth Halachic learning in the three traditional areas - Shabbat, Niddah, and Kashrut (Issur v'Heter). Each area is a year's study.
- Seminars in contemporary issues facing the Jewish World (Modernity, Women's and Men's roles, Mechitza, Agunot, Gerim, Intermarriage, 'half-Jews', Homosexuality, etc.)
- Meetings with leaders of the Jewish world.
- In the academic year 2007-2008, we are proud to add practical work in counseling to our Rabbinic training curriculum.
As in the mechina program, participants in the Smicha program continue to learn in-depth Talmud, Talmud for breadth, and inner teachings of Torah. They also continue to participate in workshops in spiritual growth, and are encouraged to maintain other courses of learning in their free time.
Yeshivat Bat Ayin is recognized by the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA).