Bochurim Receive Smicha at Bais Toras Menachem

After two years of studying, Bochurim at Yeshivas Bais Toras Menachem Smicha Institute of Los Angeles were ordained as Rabbis.

It was a proud evening for talmidim, parents, and Rabbi, and the Los Angeles community at large. “Boruch Shehechiyanu V’kimanu L’zman Hazeh”! After two years of hard work and much effort, Yeshivas Bais Toras Menachem/Smicha of L.A. just celebrated its 1st graduating class, this past 15th of Tammuz 5770. The large crowd which poured in to witness the ceremony was testimony to how much the yeshiva bachurim have touched the community. Five of the many students who started out with the program when it first opened in 2008 have been with it for 2 years and received their full Smicha.

{Harav hatamim R. Eliyahu Piperno of L.A., Harav hatamim R. Sholom Yaacov Horrowitz of Crown Heights, Harav hatamim R.Yaacov Yosef Weinstien of Crown Heights, Harav hatamim R. Yisroel Yuzevich of Crown Heights, and Harav Hatamim R. Feivel Hirsh Glabman of L.A.} {Other students who ,joined the program this past year got tested on “ta’aruvos” and “shabbos”, and plan b’ezras Hashem (GOD Willing) to return in the fall to obtain their full Smicha: hatamim Yosef Yitzchak Miller of Chicago, hatamim Boruch Stroll of L.A., hatamim Ma’yan Karbal of L.A.,hatamim Shlomo Pycovski of L.A.,, hatamim Zalman Serebryanski of Toronto & Mr. Daniel Koopersmith of L.A.}

“With Hashem’s help and the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s blessings, this is a dream come true for the staff and students ” says Rabbi Mordchai Katz, founder and Dean of the yeshiva. “We have been very blessed to have Rabbi Levi Chazan as our main Maggid Shiur {Rabbincs Teacher} , who is a true role model of Yiras Shamayim and midos tovos. He is an outstanding teacher whos enthusiasm is contagious. His patient style go hand in hand with making the learning both interesting & extremely relevant. Rabbi L. Chazan is very proud of the bachurim who put in hours and hours of diligent studying to reach this great milestone.

Rabbi Chazan pointed out that it’s amazing Hashgacha Protis to have the graduation in the week of Parshas Pinchos. He explained: “ IT’S ACTUALLY IN THIS PARSHA where the whole concept of Smicha is 1st MENTIONED IN THE TORAH!!! When Hashem tells Moshe Rabeinu to appoint Yehoshua as a manhig, the lashon used is “V’samachta..-and you shall lean (your hands)…” The Rambam in Sanhedrin states that it is from this Passuk that we learn the idea of “smicha..ish mipi ish” continuing through all the generations (though it is not done with the hands the way Moshe Rabeinu did it then, the lashon remained the same-“smicha”.)

Also almost 60 years prior the Lubavitcher Rebbe spoke to smicha graduates, also on Parshas Pinchos(the same kvius-ona Sunday!) The Rebbe explained that “SMICHA REPRESENTS THE CHIDUSH OF MATAN TORAH! The accomplishment of Matan Torah was to connect the upper spiritual realm with the lower physical realm. This is mainly achieved by keeping the halachos with all their physical manifestations. It thus follows that a bachur who learns smicha now has “ownership over the world” ! The Rebbe then emphasized that”A bachur who has his Smicha now has AN EXTRA ACHRAYIS (RESPONSIBILITY) TO EXERCISE UTMOST YIRAS SHAMAYIM (which is a pre-requisite to true Torah observance) AND TO APPLY ALL THE HALOCHOS THEY’V LEARNT IN THEIR DAY-DAY LIFE.” “ Its not just about being a Rabbi”,concluded Rabbi Chazan, but about having the ability to conduct a Jewish home upon the foundation of Torah & Mitzvos.”

Local esteemed Rav and Av Bais Din D’kahal Bais Yehuda of L.A. Rabbi Elchonon Tauber tested the talmidim and gave them their Smicha. He congratulated them for working so hard to reach this momentous occasion. “It was a wonderful experience interacting with the bochurim. They really know the material, especially how it is relevant in day to day life. They have proven that if there is a will there is a way. As our Chazal teach us “B’derech sh’adam rotze leilech, kach molichin oso” the way a person choses to go, Hashem helps along.”

“Ever since I was a young Mesivta student, I had a ‘dream’ that I would go on to get smicha, but I wasn’t sure if I could make it..after all, taking all the tests are not a ‘stroll in the park’”,said Harav hatamim Eli Piperno. “Boruch Hashem for this program, my dream was made possible! Our amazing maggid shiur Rabbi Chazan makes everything so clear, he breaks it all down until all of us understand..”

“I was looking into different programs and wasn’t set on any until I spoke to Mrs. Katz who patiently explained to me how it all works. I detected her warmth and decided this was where I would go. I’m now thankful for one of the most fulfilling years of my life “, said hatamim Yossi Miller.

“Aside from great learning, there were wonderful trips, shabbatons, and friendships formed”,exclaimed hatamim Shlomo Pycovski.

“With Hashem’s help & the Rebbe’s brochos, the Katz’s took the initiative to open this program. With their m’siras nefesh and much hard work, they enabled us to get our smicha. It’s been a great balance of gashmius & ruchnius..”, said Harav hatamim Yisroel Yuzevich.

Harav hatamim Yaacov Yosef Weinstien, whos Parents flew from N.Y. for this momentous occasion, shared many examples of practical hilchos Shabbos which he had gained a grasp of, and he also thanked the many friends & families-‘extended b.t.m. family’-for making his 2 year stay in L.a. so pleasant. His Father, representing the Parents of the talmidim summed it up well: “At times such as these, our hearts soar like an eagle. In the world, people proudly proclaim “my son, the lawyer..” “my son, the doctor..” Now l’havdil, I can truly proudly proclaim “My son, THE RABBI..”!!!

Representing the married folk was Harav Feivel H. Glabman, a father, who had his heart set on obtaining smicha. “It was challenging to juggle…I have to thank my wife who allowed me, in a sense, to go back to yeshiva! But it can be done; I encourage those in my category who do not have smicha, YOU CAN DO IT!” He accredits much of the success of the program to Rabbi Chazan’s unbelievable teaching ability and patience. He also thanked the bachurim for warmly accepting him as part of the ‘yeshiva family’.

Registration is now open for our third ,year starting a new cycle with “basar b’chalav”. It is a 2 year program as the material is taught in a less pressured yet very thorough manner. Our yeshiva is geared for mature bachurim who are serious about obtaining their Smicha in a warm chassideshe environment. Time is allotted to pursue other interests/vocations, coupled with a regular dose of chassidus,basic halachos review, interesting & lively discussions, and inspiring farbrengens. Living accommodations are available on a 1st come 1st serve basis. Delicious wholesome meals provided daily. Hikes on famous nature trails, rope climbing,martial arts,music and sports are all encouraged. “A healthy body is a healthy soul” says Mrs. Katz who oversees the gashmius of the program and treats each bachur as her own child. “When we give a plant just enough water and just enough sunlight, it blossoms into something very beautiful. I have witnessed our boys blossom before our eyes as they are each accepted for who they are, yet challenged to stretch themselves to succeed beyond their own imagination. This feeling of success has a ripple effect in all other aspects of their lives. It is an honor and privilege to play a role in this process!” IN OUR PROGRAM, ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL!!

For photos, videos &more info. See our website at smicha.com. For questions & registration info. Please call Rabbi or Mrs. Katz @ 323-463-0855 or 323-495-3010, or e-mail us at ybtmsmicha@gmail.com