What Does Classical Or Contemporary “Semicha” Consist Of? | Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Beit Midrash

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In our sedra, Moshe places his hands upon Yehoshua & "ordains" him as the new leader. For many centuries, until classic Semicha ended about the 5th century, individual rabbis or a court of 3 passed on their prerogative to decide Halacha to those they deemed fit (there was a brief period, in 1538, when Rav Yaakov Berav temporarily restored Semicha & ordained several Tzfat scholars, including Rav Yosef Karo, author of the Shulchan Aruch). The formula or title given to rabbis is "Yoreh Yoreh"- Can he teach? Yes, he can teach!" or "Yadin Yadin – Can he judge; Yes, he can judge!" The latter designation is considered superior, implying that the recipient has the texts immediately at hand, rather than having to look up the law, & may serve as a dayan. Today, semicha is generally given by yeshivot & religious institutions, though private ordination is still practiced. Rabbis are expected to have wide knowledge in many areas of Halacha, from Shulchan Aruch to Gemara to practical issues such as kashrut, Shabbat & life-cycle events. The title of "Posek," - an acknowledged decisor of halacha - is generally awarded by acclamation, as opposed to being an official designation.

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