Department of Rabbinics
The Semicha Program, in conjunction with the Talmud Department, is the first fully developed program of study instituted by Hebrew Theological College and served as a primary reason for its founding. This is the program of study and character and spiritual development taught by Rabbi Chaim Twerski, which leads ultimately to the ordination of the select few who complete the program and the ensuing examinations. Hebrew Theological College was founded for the express purpose of preparing suitable candidates for the rabbinate, and while many who are ordained choose other vocations, they along with their peers who have been appointed to pulpits throughout the United States and Israel, have served and enriched the world Jewish community because of the education of the semicha Program.

Candidates for ordination are accepted from the Hebrew Theological College Beis Midrash upon determination that the candidate has successfully completed a three year curriculum of collegiate-level Talmud study and has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies or equivalent. While some of this requirement may be satisfied with Talmud study at another institution, a minimum of one year of study must be fulfilled at Hebrew Theological College. This residency requirement is crucial to the accurate assessment of the second entrance requirement, namely, a general evaluation that the student possesses a fundamental background in Jewish law and traditions and the religious, ethical and mental aptitude necessary for spiritual leadership in conformity with the traditions of Orthodox Judaism. This evaluation is both subjective and objective. After a student spends a minimum of one year engrossed in the in-depth study of Talmud, with intense, daily faculty-student interaction, the subjective evaluation of the student's true motivations and religious convictions are readily apparent to the faculty mentor. Traditional grading as well as periodic progress evaluations supply objective criteria to evaluate the student's mental aptitude and academic potential.

The curriculum of the Semicha Program covers Jewish law dealing with the following subjects: Dietary laws, Kosher food preparation, mourning, burial and bereavement, family life, and Sabbath and Holiday observance. Students are also involved in academic areas addressing the particular needs of the chosen specialized area of rabbinic activity, such as education, public speaking, homiletics and psychology. Students pursuing pulpit positions have been assigned to a practicing rabbi for short term practica or longer term internships.