Semikhah

[1] Nowadays semikha is also granted for a limited form of ordination, focused on the application of Halakha in specific settings as opposed to underlying Talmudic knowledge.

Outside Orthodox Judaism, in fact, the curriculum may emphasize "the other functions of a modern rabbi such as preaching, counselling, and pastoral work".

Less commonly, since the 1990s,[citation needed] ordination is granted for the role of lay leader – sometimes titled darshan.

It is held that God taught the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai in 1312 BCE and that since that time, the knowledge of the Torah has been passed from generation to generation by the conferment of semikhah, rabbinic ordination, or the unbroken transmission of authority dating back to that time.

[citation needed] Classical semikhah was granted by a court of three judges[12] and it later required the participation of at least one who had attained this status, himself.

[20] Although apparently limited,[21] the basis here is that, as mentioned, semikha is in fact a confirmation of the ability - and right - of the holder to pasken in general,[4] and that, as required, the rabbi can correctly apply his Talmudic and Halakhic knowledge to other areas (and where necessary refer complex cases to a posek, a more qualified authority; see Responsa § In Judaism).

Often, niddah will require a separate specialized certification, as – given their intricate and sensitive nature – an element of shimush, or "apprenticeship",[22] pertains particularly to these halakhot.

As outlined, additional forms of semikhah are issued in modern times[1] with their content departing from the above, to an extent reflecting[24][2] the contemporary Rabbinic role.

Pluralistic and non-denominational movements grant an ordination titled "Rav U-moreh/morah BeYisrael", "Rabbi and Teacher in Israel".

Today, in most branches of Judaism, there is no laying on of hands; ordination is conferred as an academic degree with a diploma, signed by the officiating rabbis and often hand-written on parchment.

"[27] the analogy and implication being: just as a bride is inherently beautiful, so for ordination, one's Torah knowledge must be immediately apparent.

[8] This wording - כל מן דין סמוכו לנא - as per the certificate displayed, is still often included on semikhah diplomas.

In the prevailing sense, "smicha" generally refers to the ordination of a rabbi within all modern Jewish religious movements from Reform to Orthodox.

Smicha lehazzanut, ordination as a cantor, similarly signifies the transmission of authoritative knowledge about Jewish musical and liturgical traditions.

[citation needed] Although presently most functioning synagogue (i.e. "pulpit") rabbis hold semikhah, this was until quite recently not always required, and in fact many Haredi rabbis may possibly not be required to hold a "formal" semikhah even though they may occupy important rabbinical and leadership positions.

[citation needed] Many Hasidic rebbes and Rosh yeshivas of major Orthodox yeshivas are not required to "prove" to their flocks that they do or do not hold formal semikhah because their reputations as Torah-scholars and sages is unquestioned and esteemed based on the recommendations of trusted sages, and the experiences and interactions that many knowledgeable Torah-observant Jews have with them, which thus gives practical testimony based on experience that these great rabbis are indeed worthy to be called as such.

[citation needed] Many cantorial institutions in the United States currently grant smicha lehazzanut to their students.

[34] Beginning in the mid to late 1990s, the Reform, Renewal and Conservative Jewish movements have ordained lay leaders to positions such as spiritual director, darshan (chaplain), and pastor.

[35] Lay leaders within Judaism serve both in formal spaces like synagogues, independent minyan, in Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, hospitals and community centers.

[38] Classical semikhah refers to a specific type of ordination that, according to traditional Jewish teaching, traces a line of authority back to Moses, the Great Assembly, and the Sanhedrin.

And יהוה answered Moses, "Single out Joshua son of Nun, an inspired man, and lay your hand upon him.

The sages of the Babylonian Jewish community had a similar religious education, but without the semikhah ceremony they were called rav.

When the Romans attacked them, Judah ben Bava blocked the pass with his body, allowing the others to escape, and became one of Judaism's ten Rabbinic Martyrs himself by being speared 300 times.

The Geonim, early medieval Jewish sages of Babylon, did not possess semikhah, and did not use the title "rabbi".

[citation needed] Some believe that classical semikhah may have even survived until the 12th century when semuchim from Lebanon and Syria were traveling to Israel in order to pass on semicha to their students.

[50] Others, such as Yisroel ben Shmuel of Shklov (1770–1839), believed semikhah may not have been broken at all but that it continued outside of the land of Israel.